Malik Monk needs time to develop.

The Charlotte Hornets (28-37) rookie does not have that luxury. He is the Hornets’ backup point guard in the absence of Michael Carter Williams, whose left shoulder sprain treatment options (rehab or surgery) are still under discussion. Monk played 15 ½ minutes in Charlotte’s 128-114 loss to Philadelphia (35-28), scoring nine points (five in the fourth quarter) and tallying two boards and two assists. He shot 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.

“I don’t get nervous,” Monk said. “I’ve been waiting to play my whole life. I’m ready. I’m ready whenever they throw me out there, and I’m going to try to do my best every time.”

Said coach Steve Clifford: “I thought he did a good job. We were organized when he was on the floor. We’ll watch the film, and we’ll take things that he can learn form and grow, but I thought he played fine.”

Clifford noted when Monk arrived in June via the draft that the biggest difference would be the pick-and-roll game. His advice to Monk ahead of their game against the 76ers was to keep it simple and play to the pick-and-roll.

“He got his chance to have some minutes tonight, and he was serious,” shooting guard Nic Batum said. “He learned from the past with his shot selection. He did a better job, and now as soon as he gets on the court, I think he does a better job with shot selection. Then he’s playing is getting more mature. He’s 19-20 [years old]. He’s still young. He’s going to learn the game, and he’s going to be OK.”

Said Monk: “I’m just learning every day. I’m trying to learn from Kemba [Walker] and all the great guards here.”

Monk has appeared in 46 NBA games, averaging 4.6 points per game, shooting 32.1 percent from beyond the arc and 32.2 percent from the field.

“I have to get other people involved, and then my game will come to me,” he said.

Selected 11^th overall, Monk came to Charlotte from Kentucky, where he led the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists over 32.1 minutes per game. He earned 2017 SEC Freshman of the Year and All-SEC First Team recognition.

“I was just coming from Kentucky playing off ball [shooting guard], but I played point guard my whole life,” Monk said. “I’m comfortable with anything.”

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