Hornets Former Lottery Pick Malik Monk Suspended Indefinitely for Violating NBA’s Anti-Drug Policy

It looks like Malik Monk might have celebrated his first career start yesterday a bit too excessively.

The Charlotte Hornets guard and former lottery pick has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug program.

It has yet to be revealed what substance landed Monk his indefinite suspension, and no date has been suggested for when fans can expect to see him back on the floor, though he won't return until he is in compliance with the anti-drug program.

Picked 11th overall out of Kentucky in 2017, ahead of Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo, Monk is averaging 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season. While his shooting overall has improved from 36% in his rookie year to 43% this season, his 3-point shooting has declined, as he is making just 28% of his 3-point attempts on four tries per game, despite being renowned as a sharpshooter upon entering the league.

Monk had recently found his form for the Hornets, scoring 17+ points per game in five straight contests off the bench this month. However, any type of momentum he was building will surely be slashed following his latest suspension.

The signing of Terry Rozier and the emergence of DeVonte Graham have limited Monk to backup duty, but now his own actions will see his role eliminated entirely.

Monk is moving squarely into bust territory, as his most memorable moment as a Hornet was getting slapped by Michael Jordan. He's still young, but this is not the start to his NBA career the former Kentucky star was anticipating.