Toronto Raptors: Greg Monroe wouldn’t solve emerging need

Greg Monroe would provide scoring depth in the frontcourt for the Toronto Raptors, but he wouldn’t protect the rim for the team.

The Toronto Raptors need depth among their big men. Greg Monroe fits the mold — at least a little.

After signing Chris Boucher to a training camp deal, the Raptors quickly moved on, with rumors surrounding their interest in Monroe, the big man.

No deal has been agreed to yet, so there’s still a possibility Toronto will decide to look elsewhere with their 14th roster spot.

Josh Lewenberg of TSN was the first to drop the nugget about Toronto’s interest.

Monroe has become somewhat of a journeyman in recent years. His career ostensibly peaked when he was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2011 following his first season in Detroit. In the past two years, however, he’s suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics.

His ability to put in work on the offensive end remains as relevant as it’s been throughout his career. Look no further than April, when Monroe recorded the first triple-double by a Celtics big man since Robert Parish.

The Raptors could use help defensively from their big men, though. Serge Ibaka is a strong shot-blocker, but Jonas Valanciunas leaves something to be desired, and Jakob Poetl will be continuing his basketball odyssey in San Antonio.

On the NBA’s official stat page, team defense based on distance to the basket and type of shot can be sorted. In shots within six feet from the basket last season, the Raptors gave up a field goal percentage of just 57.8 percent, the second-best mark in the league. But they also surrendered 29.6 shots per game from that distance, suggesting teams weren’t particularly afraid to go at the big men in the paint.

When broken down individually, the Raptors had one of the best 10 players in terms of defensive field goal percentage within six feet of the basket (min. 50 games): the dearly departed Poetl.

It takes some time to find Monroe’s name on that list, as he ranked outside the top 100 in the category. He’s even behind some fearsome paint defenders like Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard and potential teammate Kyle Lowry.

In the Atlantic Division, defending the rim may become essential in the fight for playoff supremacy. Both the Boston Celtics (Kyrie Irving) and Philadelphia 76ers (Joel Embiid) have players who can terrorize defenses on the interior. Maybe Monroe can provide some insight on how to stop a Brad Stevens offense after playing for him.

Then, there’s the question of money. The Raptors would likely be able to get Monroe under contract using the Mid-Level Exception. But they also recently brought Chris Boucher into the fold on a training camp deal; Boucher was an elite shot-blocker in college who has yet to stick in the NBA.

The former Oregon Ducks star (and Canadian) would be a cheaper option than Monroe.

As one of the best big men left on the market, Greg Monroe is going to find a landing spot. Perhaps it shouldn’t be in Toronto.