Charlotte Hornets’ chances to make the playoffs just got even slimmer. The team will probably have to wrap up the season without guard Malik Monk, who was suspended indefinitely by the NBA on Wednesday.
Monk, who was a significant contributor for Charlotte from the bench this season, was reportedly suspended for violating the league’s anti-drug program. NBA did not disclose the details about the actions that led to the suspension.
The suspension already started on Wednesday night against New York Knicks and will be in place until Monk gets into compliance with the program.
“Obviously, we give him our full support,” said Hornets’ coach James Borrego. “It’s a situation that — all of us face different things in life. It’s how you respond. It’s my belief, knowing Malik, that he will respond the right way, and he has my full support, he has our organization’s full support.”
This comes at a bad moment for both Hornets and Malik Monk. The 22-year-old enjoyed a career year so far, averaging career-highs in points (10.3), rebounds (2.9), and assists (2.1). He was especially efficient in recent weeks, as he averaged 18.2 points per contest in the last seven games.
Charlotte is currently 10th in the East, with six games behind Orlando Magic on the eighth and final playoff spot and 30.0 games behind first-place Milwaukee Bucks.
