While many NBA players have spent the fast few months preparing for the 2019-’20 season to resume, Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Malik Monk was working to earn his way back from a drug suspension. Fortunately, the former first-round pick’s hard work paid off.
Monk, the No. 11 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, was suspended in February after violating the league’s anti-drug policy. Shortly after his suspension, the NBA indefinitely halted operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 22-year-old guard used his time off to better himself and work to meet the requirements to be reinstated by the NBA. Under the league’s guidelines, players who test positive for a drug of abuse must enter a treatment or care program.
While it’s not exactly known when he was welcomed back by the league, it’s a positive sign for Monk.
Monk’s 2019-’20 stats might not look particularly impressive, given he averaged just 10.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. However, before being suspended, he averaged 16.7 points in February and shot 38.6% from beyond the arc.
If Monk can put his off-court struggles behind him, he’ll have some momentum to build off next season. The Hornets will need all the help they can get and would love to see the former No. 11 pick take the next step in his career.
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