The Knicks went to watch Malik Monk's Pro Day last month, and will take a closer look at the former Kentucky guard this week.
Monk will work out for the Knicks, a league source said. The combo guard is a player the Knicks likely will target with the No. 8 pick in the June 22 NBA draft if he's still available.
He averaged 19.8 points and shot 39.7 percent from 3-point range in his freshman season at Kentucky. Monk is more of a shooting guard, but he's a very good pick-and-roll player.
At a promotional event last month, Monk said he would welcome the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden. But he also said he hoped he wasn't available at eight because he hoped to get taken earlier in the draft.
Monk has worked out for the Suns and Magic, who own the fourth and sixth picks in draft, respectively. The fact that he's working out for the Knicks is an indication he could still be on the board when the Knicks pick.
Team president Phil Jackson said he would look for wings and guards with the No. 8 pick.
Other players on the Knicks' radar include North Carolina State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who met with Jackson last week. He was supposed to work out for the Knicks, but reportedly he didn't. It's unclear why.
Another player is France's Frank Ntikilina. The guard remains overseas playing in the French League playoffs. The Knicks have gone to France to scout him.
The Knicks also are scheduled to work out Duke shooting guard Luke Kennard and North Carolina forward Justin Jackson this week. Both players are projected to be late lottery picks.
Unless they impress the Knicks enough that they consider them with the No. 8 pick, Jackson may try to acquire another first-round choice. The Knicks have had talks with the Trail Blazers, who have three first-round picks (15, 20, 26).
Monk is very thin. He's listed at 6-3, and about 190 pounds. But he said he was working on adding weight to get ready for the NBA.
"Got to put on some pounds, playing with them men," Monk said. "I have to."
ESPN.com first reported that Monk would work out for the Knicks.
