What can OKC Thunder expect from Bismack Biyombo? Malik Monk calls him an 'energy vet'

Malik Monk's time with the Charlotte Hornets is forgettable.

After starring at Kentucky, the former 11th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft struggled to find his footing throughout his four seasons with the Hornets. He made one start, and he sometimes sat out entire games with the dreaded "coaches decision" tag.

Monk has since put those days in the past. He's now a Sixth Man of the Year candidate for the Sacramento Kings, who suffered a 127-113 loss to the OKC Thunder on Sunday.

But when looking back at his forgettable time in Charlotte, some memories have stuck with Monk. Among those are the lessons he learned from Bismack Biyombo, a former teammate who provided constant support during a time of instability.

"When I was in Charlotte, I was going through a lot," Monk said on Sunday. "(Biyombo) was just talking to me about life and how to stay positive. ... He's a great person. A leader. A vet. A man with a lot of knowledge."

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Bismack Biyombo was great veteran presence for Malik Monk in Charlotte

Biyombo will now look to bring that leadership to the Thunder.

OKC signed the 31-year-old center to a minimum contract on Saturday. And while Biyombo likely won't have the largest role in the rotation, the Congolese big man should provide some invaluable experience for a team that's filled with young talent such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

"That's my dawg," Monk said with a smile. "He might sound weird when he talks, but he's saying some good things and the right things. I love Bis, man."

Biyombo became a free agent on Jan. 10 when the Memphis Grizzlies waived him to free up a roster spot for Vince Williams Jr.

Biyombo proved to be a serviceable option in his lone season with the Grizzlies, who've been short-handed at center due to injuries. He averaged 5.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in 30 games, which included 27 starts.

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Bismack Biyombo 'always in great spirits'

The plug-and-play role is one Biyombo has embraced the past few seasons. He signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns during the 2021-22 campaign and turned it into a two-year stint with the team.

Biyombo only averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game during that stretch. But he still set the tone for young players such as fellow center Deandre Ayton, who was 23 at the time of Biyombo's arrival.

"Whether he's playing or not playing, he's always in great spirits," said Sacramento center JaVale McGee, who was Biyombo's teammate in Phoenix. "He's an extremely hard worker and a great example for the young guys. Having an example like that in the locker room is very helpful when you want to inspire the young guys to keep going and focus on the task at hand."

OKC head coach Mark Daigneault said Sunday that Biyombo won't be available until after the All-Star break, which runs from Feb. 16-21.

Biyombo will have to earn every minute he plays on an OKC team that's loaded with depth. Still, he should provide some much-needed contributions on the glass.

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Bismack Biyombo can help OKC Thunder rebounding woes

The Thunder ranks 21st in the NBA in rebounds per game (41.2). And while some people expected OKC to address that issue during Thursday's trade deadline, it instead opted to sign Biyombo in free agency.

Despite only being 6-foot-8, Biyombo has made a living off being an aggressive rebounder. He boasts an average of six rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game throughout his 13-year NBA career.

"He comes to work every day," Daigneault said. "As a player, he has a very, very clear identity that he's forged over time. He plays it very consistently. He knows exactly who he is and the value he can bring to a team."

Biyombo's relentless work on the boards is yet another way he can impact an OKC team (36-17) that's poised to make a run in the playoffs.

"Energy vet," Monk said. "Energy vet. That's what he's been doing his whole career. ... It's a good pickup for (OKC)."

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Thunder at Magic

TIPOFF: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida (TNT)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder getting 'energy vet' in Bismack Biyombo, says Malik Monk