2. Monroe can play well in the right situation
Many see Greg Monroe’s time as a role player recently as a complete indictment on his ability to produce. In reality, some of his decline in position has much to do with the way the NBA has changed. Big-men who don’t adapt in today’s game are often left behind.
The game is a lot more geared towards spacing and movement. That doesn’t leave much room for a guy like Monroe. A majority of the premier big men have become a threat from the outside. The rest of the roster fillers are either very athletic, or are problematic defenders. Monroe hasn’t made a single three in his career and isn’t much of a rim protector, averaging less than a block per game.
But any player who’s capable of averaging a double-double is worth figuring out. Playing for Phoenix, one of the other faster paced teams in the NBA, worked in stretches for Monroe. With the Suns overall having one of the worst records in basketball there aren’t many statistical areas that support him individually. Even young stud Devin Booker has his rough areas.
However, what the stats do show is a guy that when starting averaged almost 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game on 24 minutes this year. That’s more than Cheick Diallo and Omer Asik COMBINED! Those numbers are similar to Monroe’s averages last year in Milwaukee, where he put up 11 points, six boards, and two assists in only 22 minutes per game.
A shoe-in for more minutes and the chance to play next to AD should be just the thing to improve Monroe’s numbers.