Should The Boston Celtics Target Greg Monroe?
The Reasons For:
The first and most obvious reason to target Greg Monroe is quite simply the value of having a young big man who is already proven in the NBA and has years of improvement left in him. Monroe is just 24 years old and has established himself as a consistent and productive force at either frontcourt position.
After being selected seventh in the 2010 draft and having a relatively quiet rookie year, Monroe has put together a streak of three extremely productive seasons and could take another step if he escapes the logjam in the Detroit frontcourt.
Over the past three seasons Monroe has averaged more than 15 points and nine rebounds per game, while hovering right around the .500 mark shooting from the field. Last season, despite sharing the court with both Smith and Drummond, Monroe put up 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
He is a steady contributor, using his size and strength as a rebounder and takes his opportunities on the offensive end. He had shown progression in each of his first three years until limited chances last season stalled his progress somewhat.
Not only is Monroe extremely productive when he is on the court, it his ability to remain there and stay healthy that is rare among big men. He has played more than 80 games in three of his four seasons and played all 66 in a lockout shortened 2011-12.
The Celtics have lost key players to injury over the past few seasons and Monroe’s durability would be a welcome addition as the team aims to build an identity over the next couple of years.
With Rajon Rondo in the last year of his contract, the Celtics will need to make significant moves in order to convince their star point guard to stick around long-term. Locking up Monroe could go a long way to rebuilding the roster around Rondo and becoming competitive again in the Eastern Conference.
Monroe is an excellent passer for a big man (dishing up 3.5 assists per game in 2012-13) and would be a great fit in coach Brad Stevens’ offense. The Celtics have a number of young, talented players in their frontcourt but none come close to the proven, consistent production of Greg Monroe.