RealGM

I give the team a B/B+. Everyone here loves Monk (I don't, but understand the value at 11...he's just Lou Williams). This was a deep draft and clearly there was first round talent (some would argue lottery) there at 31. Jackson, Semi, Rabb, Bell (just to name a few) were all available to you. Instead you walked away with extra cash for fun money and Bacon (I feel his BBIQ is on par with Hairston's and thus won't be in the league long). I feel the guy they targeted was snatched at the end of the first and they didn't have a plan so figured they'd pick up some cash in the process. At least it wasn't an outright sell of the pick.

For those saying you don't expect much from a second rounder, you misunderstand the value 31 held this year - a first round talent who could have a VERY small cap hit for 2-3 years. Again, blowing another potential asset that could be used in future trades.

Malik Monk is far from perfect. He desperately needs to add more strength to his 6'3" frame and can fall into the habits of an inefficient gunner, taking plenty of bad shots and trying to shoot himself out of a cold spell.

But while at Kentucky, he showed enough to prove he has as much scoring upside as anyone in this draft class. It's by no means ridiculous to think Monk could develop into a combo guard capable of producing an efficient 25 points on any given night, thanks to a sterling blend of athleticism, handles and touch from the outside. He has the dribbling skills and off-the-bounce ability to score as a point guard, and his explosion won't hurt when he's filling an off-ball role.

Doesn't this sound like something the Charlotte Hornets could use? They were far too reliant on Kemba Walker during the 2016-17 campaign, and having a young go-to scorer to pair with him makes perfect sense. He'll stay fresher throughout the season, and they might avoid a midseason downward spiral while chasing a playoff berth.

Monk will force the Hornets to live with some ugly stretches, but it's nothing they weren't already used to. And when he explodes—which he will—it'll be more than worth the short-term suffering.

Grade: B+

Dwayne Bacon can fry a defense in multiple ways, but he might have to revamp his jumper in order to maximize his success in the NBA. His low release worked in the ACC, but he's about to face bigger, faster and more athletic defenders.

If his shot sticks, his physicality could make him an intriguing option for the Charlotte Hornets' second unit. He won't work his way into the starting five anytime soon, but every team can use an athletic slasher off the bench, especially when that player is also capable of knocking down treys.

Grade: B-