Orlando Magic 2017 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Malik Monk?

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Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting is one of the most critical needs for the Orlando Magic. In a top-heavy draft, there may not be a better shooter than Kentucky guard Malik Monk.

The Orlando Magic have a crucial decision to make in a couple of weeks that could turn the fortunes of a franchise that has not seen the postseason since 2012.

Although Orlando has had its issues making the most of their draft picks, they still have time to turn around the franchise if they take a closer look at Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk.

The Magic have not had a great drafting record in the top 10 for the last five years. None of the players they selected in this four-year period developed into the franchise player the team needed. Worse still, all of those players seemed to be devoid of that most important NBA skill — shooting.

First, it was Victor Oladipo in 2013, then Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton in 2014. Finally, the team selected Mario Hezonja in 2015. He has managed to shoot just 32.7 percent from beyond the arc in two years despite his shooting accolades.

All four of those players have not come into their own yet, for whatever reason.

Monk would be an upgrade to all of these players offensively and a potentially elite scorer, something Magic fans have not seen since the Dwight Howard era.

Monk averaged 19.8 points per game at Kentucky as a freshman and would have the “green light” on a Magic team that ranked in the bottom four in every major scoring category. Most of all, his 3-point shooting.

Monk shot 39.7 percent from beyond the arc on 6.9 attempts per game. Monk can score points in a hurry and score them quickly from beyond the arc.

Monk put up an impressive 47 points against the eventual national champion North Carolina Tar Heels and showed the world what he is capable of. This type of scoring is desperately needed on an Orlando Magic team that was widely known as a terrible offensive team.