Toronto Raptors: 3 former first-rounders Raps could give a fresh start

1. Malik Monk

Monk might be the odd man out in Charlotte, as the Hornets could decide that Monk isn’t worth a second contract due to the presence of the electric LaMelo Ball and the improved Terry Rozier in the starting lineup. Restricted free agent DeVonte’ Graham will likely be back as a key reserve at the expense of Monk.

The former Kentucky star and No. 11 pick looked like a ready-made scorer in this league, but he’s earned just one start in his NBA career and has never made the leap James Borrego expected of him. However, there are a few traits that stand out as positive feedback the Raptors should take into account.

Malik Monk would be a perfect sixth man for the Raptors.

Monk averaged a career-high 11.7 points per game last year, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 28% in 2019-20 to 40% last year despite shooting more. All Monk needs is the right role, or perhaps an identical role on a Toronto team that has some better infrastructure when compared to Charlotte.

No matter who the Raptors take at No. 4, the combination of Monk and Gary Trent Jr. off the bench, perhaps playing together in the same lineup, could be a nightmare for teams to defend given how both of them can stroke it. If Nurse summons up the required defensive effort, Monk could win over a ton of Raptors fans very quickly.