2. Lonnie Walker IV
For the past four seasons, Lonnie Walker IV has been a double-digit scorer off the bench. This season, he is averaging 10 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists for the struggling Nets and will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
Shooting 39.7 percent from three on 4.7 attempts per game, Walker is having his best shooting season yet. If that holds up, he could add a nice shooting punch to the Kings’ bench. Other than that, having to fill Monk’s spot on the roster with Walker would be a massive downgrade.
It would cost the Kings a lot of playmaking, as Walker is more of a wing than someone who can play the point, while not even adding a whole lot of defense. Between him, Keon Ellis, and Davion Mitchell, Sacramento’s guard rotation would not have much offense unless Ellis or Mitchell takes a huge step forward.
Both have hit shots lately but still seem far away from consistently putting up around 15 points a game. If it comes down to this, the Kings are officially in trouble, especially if Kevin Huerter’s struggles continue long-term.
Besides, not having someone like Monk, who can score and play make, next to the two stars really limits the Kings’ ability to trade some of their main guys. Trading Huerter, for example, for a high-level 3-and-D player is a bearable idea if you have someone like Monk sitting on the bench. Without him, that loss would be tough to stomach because Ellis, Mitchell, and Duarte just don’t bring that much offense yet.