Kings News: Bond between De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk led to team up

July 6th Sacramento Kings I was able to make a splash with Free agent pool To Signature Guard Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox’s college teammate. An acquisition that quickly addressed the shortage of shooters to expand the floor.

But why did the monk play an important role next to LeBron James? Los Angeles Lakers Are you leaving for your division’s rivals?In the story by Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson SacramentoHe emphasized how the relationship the monk had with Fox as a child played a major role in his decision.

“He and Dearon were very intimate and have been intimate since high school, so the overall factor with Fox, their relationship, and the friendship they always had played a big role.” Said the source.

Like many NBA players, Fox and Monk have known each other since playing AAU together on the EYB Elite. Both players were also McDonald’s All-Americans in 2016 and co-MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic that same year.

With their success there, they decided to continue their success as a duo at the University of Kentucky, where they electrified the world of college basketball with their athletic ability and NBA-ready skills.Monk wins SEC Rookie of the Year (2017) and Player of the Year (2017), Fox is named SEC Tournament MVP (2017).

They lost to the final champion, North Carolina, in the Elite 8 of the March Mad Nest Tournament.But both players were able to establish themselves NBA draft In the lottery, Fox was chosen by Kings, ranked 5th overall, and Monk. Charlotte Hornets In 11 days.

“They always talk,” said a source. “I talk every day because they’re still in college group chat. I’m excited about both of them because they’re real siblings.”

Both players were only 24 years old and were born in just 46 days, hours away from each other. Five years have passed since they separated, but they couldn’t choose a better time to meet again.

Fox and the Kings are at a very important point in the history of the franchise. Not only did he never reach the playoffs since he was drafted, leading to a record 16-year playoff drought, but he didn’t win 40 games during the season.But after making Changes to all aspects of the organization When Trade with all-star tycoons at Domantas SabonisThey feel like they are on the verge of something special.

The monk is in a similar place in his career. He was also unable to make a postseason during his four-year tenure at the Hornets, or during his term at the Lakers last season. However, unlike Fox, he was unable to consolidate his position as a franchise player with the potential to be a star.

However, by joining the king, the monk rejuvenated his career and put himself in a position to help the injured city change their destiny with someone he considers a family.

and Interview with Jonathan Bradley, Sacramento Kings social media manager Malik Monk reveals his relationship with Fox and why he was so excited to come to Sacramento. He described his excitement in playing with people like Sabonis and Harrison Barnes, and his ability to fit their style of play.

Also interesting is the unselfish way of thinking he is coming into this season. Many players who sign in a struggling franchise participate with the intention of taking over. But Monk has other plans that his coaches and teammates will surely be pleased with.

“I’ll do anything to help the team win, guy, it doesn’t matter. Whatever they need, whether it’s me passing the ball, whether it’s me scoring, it’s Whether I will defend or not, “Monk said. “I think my experience can help some of the younger people. I’m in the middle. Everyone has been here longer than I am, so I took things out of them and added them to the package. It can be passed on to the younger generation. “

Monk also said he intends to get the best out of Fox, as he did in Kentucky, in addition to what he offers to the team. He believes that the competitiveness of their brothers forces them to play more aggressively and flashy, as Fox played in his early career at Kings. Note that he intends to increase the number of Fox dunk shots.

“He will have to do that because I will do the same,” said the monk.

Kings fans rarely have the opportunity to be really excited about picking up free agents. However, the decision to reunite Fox and Monk is one of the more enjoyable moves that created the Kings front office in recent memory. They exchanged jersey numbers, but are trying to recreate the same magic they have shown in the past.