San Antonio Spurs: Pass or pursue 10 role player free agents

9. Malik Monk - SG, Charlotte Hornets (Restricted)

On the list of the Spurs' needs this summer, a small shooting guard isn't very high. As we've been stating in numerous lists of free agency and draft targets over the past few weeks, the priority for San Antonio's front office should be upgrading at the frontcourt position on both ends of the floor.

Still, shooting (or lack thereof) absolutely killed the Spurs last season. Going on long droughts or failing to hit from the outside doomed the team time and time again, particularly when teams wisely packed the paint. Since they may be losing Patty Mills and Rudy Gay this summer, a shooter like Malik Monk could help make sure they don't take a big step backwards in that department.

The 22-year-old shot 40.1 percent from the 3-point line this season. Even more impressive, he did so on five attempts per game. Derrick White (6.8) and Patty Mills (6.3) were the only Spurs who averaged five attempts or more per game this season and shot an average of 36 percent between them.

While there are other bigger shooters on the open market this summer, the Spurs could do much worse than picking up a young gunner who isn't shy to let it fly.

The Hornets will be able to match offers for Monk, who made $3.9 million in 2020-21. As long as they don't break the bank, the Spurs should make their interest known with a decent bag.

Verdict: Pursue