Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk reinstated by NBA following drug suspension
Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk, suspended under the NBA’s anti-drug policy in February, has been reinstated.
Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak revealed the news Monday during a conference call with Charlotte media. Monk has been working out at the practice gym at Spectrum Center and participating in team meetings via video conference.
“That’s been a while now,” Kupchak said of Monk’s suspension ending. “He went through his program, and my understanding was he was reinstated as soon as possible. He has been in our facility and participated in all team activities.
“Whenever we can resume some (group) activity, hopefully on a formal basis, he’ll be there.”
Monk, the Hornets’ 2017 lottery pick (11th overall) out of Kentucky, was suspended without pay in late February. The length of that suspension was open-ended — the league’s statement said the suspension would continue “until he is determined to be in full compliance” with the anti-drug policy.
The Hornets’ 2019-20 season was declared finished last week when the NBA didn’t include them in a 22-team restart plan for late July. The NBA season was paused March 11 by the coronavirus pandemic.
Monk was playing the best basketball of his three NBA seasons right before the suspension: In 13 games, he averaged 17 points on 46 percent shooting from the field. Monk told the Observer in early February he wasn’t ready for the NBA when he first turned pro as a Kentucky freshman, and felt he was finally finding his way.
The only start of his NBA career was the game against the Indiana Pacers immediately before his suspension was announced.
“It’s great having him back, having him part of the group again,” said Hornets coach James Borrego. “You never want one of your guys out of the group — we’re a family, we’re a unit.
“We welcome him back and we move forward. Malik is ready to move forward. ... We’ve got work to do this summer, and I know he’s ready to do it.”
This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Charlotte Hornets guard Malik Monk reinstated by NBA following drug suspension."
