Kings’ Monk addresses risk of early return from MCL harm initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
The Kings have accepted they will start their potential NBA playoff run with out Malik Monk, however might the treasured sixth man return from an MCL harm before anticipated?
Do not rely it out, in keeping with a dialog Monk lately had with Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee — but additionally, do not essentially rely on it.
On Thursday, Biderman requested Monk, who’s touring with Sacramento, a couple of comment made by Kings broadcaster Mark Jones on ESPN throughout Wednesday’s Boston Celtics-Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder sport. Jones stated Monk is urgent to return even sooner than the four-to-six week timeline initially reported by ESPN, per Biderman.
“I actually can’t inform you that, being so early with the harm,” Monk advised Biderman. “But it surely’s feeling good. That’s what I can say.”
Monk additionally advised Biderman he feels “nice,” and “higher than anticipated” after struggling a proper MCL sprain within the first quarter of Sacramento’s 107-103 loss to the Dallas Mavericks final Friday following a collision with Luka Dončić.
With the four-to-six week timeline reported by ESPN, Monk seemingly will miss the primary spherical of the NBA playoffs ought to the Kings make it, and will return as quickly because the Western Convention semifinals within the first week of Might.
Sacramento presently holds the West’s No. 8 seed and a possible NBA play-in event berth following its 120-109 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday at Madison Sq. Backyard. The play-in begins April 16 and runs by means of the 19 — slightly below 4 weeks from the day Monk was injured.
“I’m not the coach. I simply hearken to them. They push it a bit of bit. It damage typically, and typically it doesn’t. That’s simply the rehab course of, I believe,” Monk advised Biderman, noting he hasn’t chosen a date for him potential return from the harm.
“If I try this then I’ve expectations. I don’t wish to go into nothing with expectations.”
Monk has emerged as one of many Kings’ most important gamers, serving to them return to the NBA playoffs final season and now enjoying a vital position of their push for the postseason this yr. Earlier than he left final Friday’s loss, Monk was averaging 15.4 factors in 26.0 minutes per sport in the course of the 2023-24 NBA season, and it stays unclear when he might return.
The Kings actually want him again in the event that they wish to maintain their NBA championship hopes alive, however a completely wholesome Monk again within the rotation is vital — and dashing again too quickly may very well be a detriment to the crew.
It is clear Monk is enjoying it sensible, and taking his harm day-to-day.
