Boston Celtics: What does signing Greg Monroe do for the team?
The Boston Celtics have reached an agreement with Greg Monroe. Here’s a look at what he brings to the table for this team.
Greg Monroe was recently bought out by the Phoenix Suns. There was no surprise there, as it was in discussion for a while. Plus, the Suns are not going anywhere anytime soon. It only makes sense to try and create space and rebuild for the future.
After becoming a free agent, the Boston Celtics were quick to reach out and sign him. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news and explained that it’s a one-year deal worth $5 million. This was a great move by the Celtics because they sorely need depth and someone who can come in and score the ball.
Monroe has had some troubles finding his footing on an NBA team. The former seventh pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons has played for three different teams. Andre Drummond and Monroe contradicted the starting lineup because they were both centers who can’t shoot the ball.
He then played in Milwaukee and never could get a rhythm going, falling in and out of the starting lineup. He was traded to Phoenix early in the season and that stint didn’t last long – playing only about half a season there.
Now he will look to bring depth to Boston’s bench after turning down a cheaper contract and starting gig with the New Orleans Pelicans. More than likely, the money and winning attracted Monroe to Boston.
| Season | Age | Tm | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 20 | DET | 27.8 | 3.8 | 6.9 | .551 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 9.4 |
| 2011-12 | 21 | DET | 31.5 | 6.2 | 11.8 | .521 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 15.4 |
| 2012-13 | 22 | DET | 33.2 | 6.3 | 13.1 | .486 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 9.6 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 16.0 |
| 2013-14 | 23 | DET | 32.8 | 6.1 | 12.4 | .497 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 9.3 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 15.2 |
| 2014-15 | 24 | DET | 31.0 | 6.1 | 12.4 | .496 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 10.2 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 15.9 | |
| 2015-16 | 25 | MIL | 29.3 | 6.2 | 11.9 | .522 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 8.8 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 15.3 |
| 2016-17 | 26 | MIL | 22.5 | 4.8 | 9.0 | .533 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 6.6 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 11.7 |
| 2017-18 | 27 | MIL | 15.8 | 3.2 | 6.6 | .485 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.8 | |
| 2017-18 | 27 | PHO | 23.3 | 4.9 | 7.8 | .626 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8.0 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 11.3 | |
| Career | 29.3 | 5.6 | 10.9 | .514 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 8.7 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 13.9 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/2/2018.
Monroe brings a big body that will muscle other bigs down low. He can rebound the ball with ease and post up quite nicely. He’s not a good defender, but luckily the Celtics’ top-ranked defense should cancel out any issues.
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Boston can surely use the help in the depth department, even more so now because they have had an injury-riddled season. Kyrie Irving has been injured lately, Marcus Smart is out for a couple more games, Marcus Morris can’t stay healthy, Al Horford has been injured and of course Gordon Hayward hasn’t played since opening night. You could even argue that some of the injuries have come because of the lack of depth, forcing more pressure and minutes on other players.
The Celtics have been forced to play Aron Baynes in the starting lineup from all of the injuries, causing the Celtics to run with a Morris (if healthy) and Daniel Theis bench lineup (both power forwards). Horford and Baynes have had to play extended minutes because of this.
The other issue has been bench scoring. It’s broadcast throughout the season that the team has struggled to score off the bench — ranking 23rd in the NBA. That’s what happens when you have a bunch of G League-level talent coming off the bench. Monroe is a solid offensive option who by all means will be a great option to look at when they need a bucket. Plus, the team doesn’t really have a backup big on the team.
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Adding Monroe helps the Celtics fix some offensive issues and helps them add more depth. And for Monroe’s case, he gets to play for a winner. It’s a win-win for both parties. Sure, his defense may hurt the team, but his offense and depth surely overlook any defensive issues moving forward.