Malik Monk is the Kings’ energizer off the bench. He comes into the game and immediately makes his presence felt. Monk is fearless as a scorer from pretty much anywhere on the court, can take over games when needed, and has made huge strides as a playmaker this season.
Currently, he is the Kings’ fourth-leading scorer with 14.6 points, leads the team in blocks, and is tied with De’Aaron Fox for the second-most assists per game on the team with 5.3.
He is one of the best bench players in the league right now and entered the Sixth Man of the Year race last season. After finishing fifth behind Malcolm Brogdon, Immanuel Quickley, Bobby Portis Jr., and Norman Powell in the final voting, he is once again one of the top candidates.
So, let’s look at six players he is competing with for the award.
6. Norman Powell
Norman Powell finished last season as one of the top names in the Sixth Man of the Year race and is once again making a solid case for the award. Averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1 assists he is crucial to the Clippers’ success.
Coming off the bench, he is their fourth-leading scorer behind only Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. His scoring allows the Clippers to go to the bench, knowing that the offense will still flow and work well.
The availability of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is the biggest reason for the Clippers’ success, but Powell is an integral piece of the puzzle. Record matters in this conversation, and the Clippers are currently sitting in third place in the West, aiding Powell’s case.