Why Sabonis was ‘very stunned’ Monk re-signed with Kings initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
Followers who weren’t positive if Malik Monk would return to the Kings after coming into NBA free company in the course of the offseason weren’t alone, as one in every of his All-Star teammates was shocked the dynamic guard re-signed with Sacramento.
Throughout Domantas Sabonis’ youth basketball camp in Rocklin on Sunday, the Kings large man revealed he anticipated Monk to finish up on a special group based mostly on their conversations in the course of the 2023-24 NBA season.
“I used to be really very stunned,” Sabonis informed reporters (h/t Brenden Nunes). “I used to be speaking to him loads in the course of the 12 months and I believed we actually misplaced him, however I am completely happy he stayed. I feel it is the very best resolution for him and for us.”
Domantas Sabonis on Malik Monk re-signing in Sacramento:
“I used to be really very stunned.. he’s one of the crucial necessary gamers on our group and having him, on and off the courtroom, has helped us loads these final two years.” pic.twitter.com/zbugLhRNJA
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) August 25, 2024
When requested concerning the monetary sacrifice Monk made to remain in Sacramento, Sabonis playfully steered that the 26-year-old guard stayed with the Kings to proceed being teammates with him.
“I simply assume he did not wish to go away me, that is the primary factor,” Sabonis mentioned with a smile. “I am completely happy he is right here. He is one of the crucial necessary gamers on our group. Having him on and off the courtroom with us has helped us loads these final three years.”
Monk signed a four-year, $78 million contract with Sacramento in July, permitting the Kings to retain one in every of their most necessary gamers because the franchise continues to hunt a deep NBA playoff run.
Monk completed second in NBA Sixth Man of the Yr Award voting in the course of the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.4 factors, 5.1 assists and a pair of.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per sport whereas serving as Sacramento’s major spark plug off the bench.
The 26-year-old guard could possibly be in line for a beginning position this season, however most significantly, will get to proceed sharing the courtroom with Sabonis, who wasn’t positive that was a risk earlier than Monk finally determined to return.
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