With Nic Batum and Treveon Graham both injured – starter Batum severely with an elbow ligament tear – the Charlotte Hornets’ depth at shooting guard and small forward will be tested.
That figures to mean minutes for rookie Malik Monk, the 11th overall pick in June’s draft. Veteran Jeremy Lamb, who will likely move into the starting lineup with Batum hurt, likes what he’s seen already from Monk.
“I feel like he plays like me: He can score in different ways,” said Lamb. “He’s a shooter, he can get to the rim, he’s got a floater.