1. The Pelicans and their fans could use the emotional boost
NOLA has looked and played down right depressed since Boogie’s injury. They’ve lacked emotion and energy, looking defeated before the final score is even announced. Fans have opened their deepest Pelicans wounds from the past, and the future has been discussed in a negative light again.
Monroe, if nothing else, brings good news to a franchise that often expects the opposite. He would also gives the Pelicans and New Orleans a hometown player. One that chose the city over greener pastures (pun intended). Monroe reportedly is garnering interest from the Boston Celtics. Boston can not only offer Monroe more money, but a legitimate chance at a deep playoff run.
What they can’t offer him however, is a chance to shine again. A chance to make double of what Boston can offer now, next season. There have been other winning teams with a possible fitting destination. San Antonio and Cleveland, but those teams don’t offer Monroe a chance to start either.
And they don’t offer Monroe a chance to be a hero. For someone who has been often criticized and treated like an afterthought as of late, hometown love should mean something. A chance to make eight-million dollars and lose to the Warriors should not. Either way, Monroe’s priorities will be made very clear with the decision he chooses.
While Monroe isn’t a world beater, or a superstar, he’s a fresh breath of air! A positive for a franchise that feels so low. A blessing for a fanbase that feels so cursed. He’s also a better basketball player than he’s recently been able to show. NOLA will sacrifice the lackluster defense for the nightly double-doubles, as they haven’t played much defense without him anyway.
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Greg Monroe’s nickname is “The Moose”. Moose are known for having good hearing and an exceptional sense of smell. Hopefully the scent of Po’ Boys and Crawfish will guide him back home to NOLA.