Can Monk break a defender down off the dribble?

[Feez13]

Relax before the claws come out, this isn't a thread to overreact or criticize. We've all seen how explosive Monk can be in the open floor and when he gets a pass with a head of steam headed toward the basket in the half court.

My question is how is he with breaking a defender down off the dribble and getting himself to the basket? It's really not something I've seen him do yet. Generally he'll shake a guy and pull up for a jumper. Is this a weakness of his, or just something he hasn't shown yet?

 

[FFWhite]

Monk will be fine. There is a learning curve. I would gladly be his agent this time next year.

 

[STL_Cat]

Whether or not he'll be fine wasn't the question, I don't think. Seems like a reasonable question. Haven't really seen him display that yet.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan_rivals377587]

I remember Cal saying, after Monk signed, his first step reminded him of a young Rose, so hell yes he's capable. I'd like to see it come to fruition.

 

[Ukbrassowtipin]

You don't have to when you can rise above your defender for a shot.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan_rivals377587]

You don't have to when you can rise above your defender for a shot.

If said shot isn't falling, Monk needs to get to the basket and finish or get fouled.

 

[STL_Cat]

You don't have to when you can rise above your defender for a shot.

Can't say I agree with that. I love Monk's ability to get up in the air and get a shot off on anyone, but the jumper isn't always going to fall. I was thinking the same thing as OP. I'd like to see him break a defender down and get to the basket. Very well could be something he's great at and is just yet to show it.

 

[bigbluelou]

I think he is just hesitant right now. Once he gets more comfortable in Cal's system, I think we'll see a very explosive two guard. So yes, he can and will break guys down off the dribble I believe.

 

[JerseyCat84_rivals57050]

2 games! FFS

 

[STL_Cat]

Wow guy, take it easy on OP. I didn't get the feeling that this was a "sky is falling" type thread. Dude just asked a reasonable question.

 

[coolioo1]

If think he can, but is more of a jump shooter than slasher. But we know he can sky so I am sure he can slash "enough". I loved the little post up he did since he can rise over smaller guards. UK did that some with Murray last year.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Relax before the claws come out, this isn't a thread to overreact or criticize. We've all seen how explosive Monk can be in the open floor and when he gets a pass with a head of steam headed toward the basket in the half court.

My question is how is he with breaking a defender down off the dribble and getting himself to the basket? It's really not something I've seen him do yet. Generally he'll shake a guy and pull up for a jumper. Is this a weakness of his, or just something he hasn't shown yet?

Something he hasn't shown yet. He's still adjusting. Simple as that.

 

[Adolph B. Calipari]

My two cents is that monk is awesome in the open court and has a smooth jumper. His vertical allows him to raise up and pull up at any time. His frame is still a bit slight like fox. What separates fox in the "breaking a man down" department is his deadly combo of speed and handles. Monk is a special player and once he gets a little better handle on the rock and/or adds a bit of strength it's gonna be ugly lol. Now Briscoe gets to the rim because he's crafty and strong. A couple of Briscoe's drives tonight reminded me of something Kyrie Irving would do. Great post op good observation.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

Yes he can break a defender down and get to the basket. He just hasn't done it yet. For proof just go watch some of his YouTube videos.

 

[Feez13]

My two cents is that monk is awesome in the open court and has a smooth jumper. His vertical allows him to raise up and pull up at any time. His frame is still a bit slight like fox. What separates fox in the "breaking a man down" department is his deadly combo of speed and handles. Monk is a special player and once he gets a little better handle on the rock and/or adds a bit of strength it's gonna be ugly lol. Now Briscoe gets to the rim because he's crafty and strong. A couple of Briscoe's drives tonight reminded me of something Kyrie Irving would do. Great post op good observation.

Thanks, I'd say this is probably right. I certainly don't doubt he has the ability but I was curious to hear the thoughts of others. Because with his athleticism and his pull up jumper, if he could also break a guy down and get to the rim he'd be a totally unstoppable guard.

 

[kyups01]

He's known for taking people off the dribble. I'd line to see it as well.

 

[Burly]

Great question op...he better because his jumper will be inconsistent ...hasn't shown the willingness to go inside off the dribble

 

[smooth as butter]

Monk will be fine.He is a great shooter and will show his ability to break defenders down off the dribble.

 

[STL_Cat]

Still think OP asked a pretty good question here because we're yet to see it. Only 4 games in and there's no question Monk is a total stud, but I'd like to see him attack and create off the dribble a little. Only shot 5 free throws at this point compared to 29 for Fox and 22 for Briscoe.