Toronto Raptors: How will Greg Monroe fit in next year?

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 11: Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the national anthem before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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The verdict

Greg Monroe may not be a sure thing for playing time, but an opportunity is there for him to provide a spark off the bench in certain situations.

The Toronto Raptors will be a solid defensive team with their starting rotation of Lowry-Anunoby-Leonard-Ibaka-Valanciunas, if not the best defensive team in the East. Monroe can provide a breather for Ibaka and Valanciunas in spurts, but given the league is embracing small-ball, it’s pertinent Monroe adds a 3-pointer to his repertoire.

Adding Greg Monroe to the rotation will put them a few steps back on defense, but his presence on offense should outweigh most of that. With experienced defenders to learn from, it would do him some good to learn as much as he can from his teammates before the training camp begins.

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Monroe has shown he has the offensive awareness to do more than score, so being passable on defense may not be all that difficult for him. Foul trouble and things like injuries happen as well, making Monroe a solid insurance policy in that regard.

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