Scouting Malik Monk’s potential fit with the Miami Heat

Malik Monk’s fit with the Heat

Monk is an elite scorer, primarily from three. And Miami has made their incredible run recently thanks to their shooting from deep. Wayne Ellington, Luke Babbitt, Dragic, and Waiters have all been hot. Adding a guy like Monk would bolster the offense, which, despite what recent returns may have led you to believe, still needs help.

The Heat, even with their torrid shooting of the past two weeks, are still just 22nd overall in three-point percentage. Thus, their offensive rating is a paltry 102.1 (fourth-worst in the NBA). For the offense to make a sustainable improvement, they have to acquire better shooters.

It’s fair to say that Monk needs a lot of work defensively, which does make him less appealing. But let’s not forget that Dragic had a similar reputation before arriving in Miami. Now, he’s more than serviceable; he fights hard through screens (formerly a major weakness) and opposing point guards don’t blow by him as easily as they used to. The Heat could get Monk to see similar improvement.

Miami may have an opening at the position after this season anyways. Waiters is playing consistent basketball for the first time in his career and is set to hit the open market. Will Pat Riley break the bank to keep him? I think he’s more likely to cut his losses and replace him through free agency or… well, the draft.

Aside from Monk, it’s a bad year to look for a shooting guard in the draft. So why not Monk? A dynamic scorer, who can both shoot lights out, and finish with explosive dunks. My only concern is the shoes he’ll have to fill.

Next: Scouting lengthy forward Jonathan Isaac

Replacing the best shooting guard in team history won’t be easy. But I’m sure Monk will be up to the task.