CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 15: Malik Monk #1 and Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets high five during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Charlotte Hornets may be wasting Malik Monk‘s scoring ability and explosive athleticism by benching him this early in his career.

After a 5-9 start to the season for the Charlotte Hornets, head coach Steve Clifford decided to bench 2017 first-round pick Malik Monk in favor of the returning Michael Carter-Williams citing defense as the reasoning. (CharlotteObserver.com) The move was a bit of a controversial one. It may be time to do reverse the decision and instead, unleash 19-year old.

Looking at Monk’s replacement, MCW hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. Since returning, the former Rookie of the Year is only shooting 20.9% from the field. Even though the move was made for defensive reasons and Michael’s defensive numbers have been a bit better than Malik’s, his offensive game has struggled mightily.

The real question is if Steve Clifford is willing to live with Carter-Williams’ offensive game, or lack thereof, in favor of a slightly better defensive team. With Monk on the court, Charlotte had an abysmal 111 defensive rating which is tied for worst on the team with Kemba Walker. With MCW on the floor, the Hornets’ defensive rating is an improved 105.

Although, it’s worth noting that their offensive ratings as well. MCW sits at 90 while Malik is at 95. Neither are exceptional but one player is a rookie while the other is in his sixth NBA season.

Since benching Monk, the Hornets have gone 3-3, which isn’t bad, but their defense has actually gotten worse in terms of opponents points per game. Since November 18th, teams are averaging 107.5 points against Charlotte as opposed to the 106.9 OPPG when Malik was in the rotation.

Here’s a comparison of the two players so far this season:

Monk – 17.5 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 RPG, 0.9 TOV, 35.5% FG/ 34.6% 3P/ 76.9% FT

MCW – 17.3 MPG, 4.9 PPG, 2.8 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.2 TOV, 20.9% FG/ 36.4% 3P/ 78.6% FT

When the Hornets drafted Malik, they knew he would be a bit of a liability on the defensive end early in his career. His strength is his shooting and offensive game. LeBron James even praised Monk’s offensive ability by saying that “He has an ability to catch fire really fast. He’s going to be a very good pro.” (CharlotteObserver.com) That explosive scoring is exactly why he should be getting consistent minutes each game.

Because of Malik’s size, it makes sense as to why Clifford wanted to play him at point guard but I think the Kentucky product is better suited to play off the ball. While the team could make a straight swap and insert Monk back into the rotation by benching MCW, I’m not sure that’s the best move.

Another option would be to bench fellow rookie, Dwayne Bacon, move Jeremy Lamb to the backup small forward spot and play Monk alongside MCW in the second unit’s backcourt. That would also allow the team to move Bacon down to the Greensboro Swarm where he could get some valuable playing time in the G-League.

Despite Monk’s defensive woes, he isn’ the only player who struggles on that end of the floor for Charlotte. Frank Kaminsky, Nicolas Batum and even Kemba Walker rank among the worst on the team in terms of defensive rating this year. When looking at Kaminsky, he has a defensive rating of 110 but hasn’t been benched yet this season. So why was Clifford so quick to make the change with Malik?

While I think the benching of Malik Monk was a bit premature, I understand why Steve Clifford made the move. The rookie has shown glimpses of brilliance and promise like when he scored 18 points in the fourth quarter versus the Bucks. Having him sit on the bench is doing him and the team no favors. If the Charlotte Hornets are going to be losing games without him, might as well unleash their first-round pick and see what he can do at the NBA level.