5 Players the Sacramento Kings could sign if Malik Monk walks in free agency

De'Anthony Melton

De'Anthony Melton is by far my favorite combo guard replacement for Monk. Like the others we've mentioned above, Melton isn't the offensive weapon that Monk is. Last year, Melton was in the 49th percentile in 3-point percentage, the 62nd percentile in unassisted field goals, and the 61st percentile in assist percentage.

But even if these numbers aren't Monk-level, they are good enough that his contributions on the other end of the court make up for it. Where Monk is an offensively-slanted player, Melton is what you would consider a two-way guard. This season, Melton was in the 87th percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (DEF EPM). Meanwhile, Monk was just in the 19th percentile in this area.

Melton also gives the Kings a better chance of building a strong defense around Domantas Sabonis. Melton gives you positive positional rim protection. This year, he was in the 59th percentile in block rate for his position (per Cleaning the Glass).

The only reason he wasn't higher in block rate is because Cleaning the Glass changed his positional taxonomy from combo guard to wing (I have no idea why they would do that, considering he spent 95% of his minutes at PG or SG last season, per Basketball Reference). Before the change, Melton consistently found himself in the 90th percentile or higher in block rate.

We know what you're thinking. If Melton is so good, how could the Kings afford to get him? Fortunately for the Kings (but unfortunately for Melton), the soon-to-be seventh-year guard had an injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign that saw him only play in 38 regular season games and seven total playoff minutes. This could lead to him being willing to sign the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level.

His nagging back injury could have long-term implications. But if it doesn't, Melton could be a great option to replace Monk.