All about Greg Monroe

[Ilikesports17]

Of the 3 existing bigs we have which works better
Monroe sully
Monroe Kelly
Zeller Monroe

I think Zeller Monroe works best but I think Monroe sully are the two best players and Monroe KO has the potential to be crazy on offense at least

[Forza Juventus]

He is pretty good but I don't think we should sign him because there are very few players like Ibaka and that is the kind of player that fits well next to him. That goes for Kanter too although he is obviously different than Monroe.

[crimson_stallion]

You're thinking of the Al Jefferson now. At his peak Al Jeff was a 23/11 player who was a more effective defender than he got credit for. Jefferson was clearly a better player at 24 than Monroe is. But once he had his knee injury he was never the same player again.

Sure, if you look only at the basic stats it looks that way.  But if you dig deeper you'll see there is more to it than meets he eye.

Jefferson averaged 23 PPG in 08-09 (when he was 24) but he also took 19.5 FGA per game.  That translates to a scoring rate of 1.18 Points Per Field Goal Attempt (PPFGA) which is essentially the same level of scoring efficiency we saw from Jordan Crawford last season. 

Monroe this season averaged 15.9 points, but he only took 12.4 FGA per game.  That gives him a scoring rate of 1.28 PPFGA which is the exact same rate that Hakeem Olajuwon (1.28) and slightly higher than Larry Bird (1.26) averaged for their careers.

So WHY is it that Monroe is so much more efficient a scorer? The simple answer is Free Throw Rate (FTR).

Jefferson (in 2008-09) averaged 5.0 FTA per game versus 19.5 FGA per game, giving him a FTR of 0.26 FTR that year.  Monroe in 2014-15 has averaged 4.9 FTA versus only 12.4 FGA, giving him a FTR of 0.40 this season.       

Just to give you an idea of how the FTR of each player stacks up:

Dwight Howard (0.64)
James Harden (0.56)
Isaiah Thomas (0.48)
Russell Westbrook (0.44)
Lebron James (0.41)
Greg Monroe (0.40)
Dwyane Wade (0.34)
Paul Pierce (0.32)
Jeff Green (0.31)
Brandon Bass (0.31)
Tyler Zeller (0.30)
Kelly Olynyk (0.26)
Al Jefferson (0.26)
Avery Bradley (0.23)
Jared Sullinger (0.18)

I think these numbers speak for themselves - there aren't many guys in the league who get to the line better than Monroe and the ones who do are clear cut offensive superstars.  Monroe proves to be a pretty efficient scorer because:

1) He shoots a good percentage from the field (49%)
2) He gets to the line at an excellent rate
3) He shoots a good percentage from the line (75%)

Truth is, Monroe is a much better offensive player then a lot of guys give him credit for, he just doesn't really get featured in the Detroit offense as much as you'd think he would. The stats indicate that if he was putting up 16-17 FGA per game like most stars do, he'd be a 20 PPG scorer.

Now going off the topic of Monroe just for one paragraph to shout out some respect to Isaish Thomas, who (during his time in Boston) has averaged an absolutely rediculous 0.4 points per field goal attempt.  That number is significantly better than Paul Piece and Michael Jordan, and getting close to the likes of Durant / Harden and Lebron.  That kid is an absolute offensive freak and is statistically would have to be one of the greatest pure scorers in the world right now.

[PhoSita]

Offensively, Monroe has always reminded me most of Pau Gasol.  Defensively he's probably comparable to Pau, too, except for the fact that he doesn't really get blocks.

Monroe is lacking one pretty significant weapon in his arsenal in order to be as effective as Pau: a 15-18 foot jumper.  If he can add that, he'll be a perennial All-Star.

[crimson_stallion]

Of the 3 existing bigs we have which works better
Monroe sully
Monroe Kelly
Zeller Monroe

I think Zeller Monroe works best but I think Monroe sully are the two best players and Monroe KO has the potential to be crazy on offense at least

I think Olynyk, because Olynyk is a triple-threat offensive player - he can shoot the three, he can put it on the floor, he can pass, and he has excellent basketball IQ. 

That's exactly the type of guy you DON'T want to leave open on a double-team attempt because if Monroe passes out of the double team to Olynyk and the defense reacts and runs at KO, it's very to predict what he's going to do.  If they close out hard or send a bigger defender running at him, then he can put he ball on the floor and run straight past the defense.  If they close out soft or send a small guy at him, he can make use of his 7 foot frame and shoot right over the defense.  Even if they do manage to close out effectively, he's got outstanding court vision and will find the open guy more often then not. 

Tough, tough offensive matchup for the opponent.

My second choice would be Bass because even though he doesn't have three point range, he's a career 46% shooter from 10 feet to the 3 point line.  If you leave him open he'll hit the jumper 8 times out of 10.  If you challenge him, he's very good at shooting that shot over the defense.  If you run at him hard, then (like Olynyk) he can put the ball on the floor and make a hard drive to the basket.

He's also got a freakishly long wingspan (relative to his height) which, when combined with his good lateral mobility, allows him to defend anything from small forwards to centers.  This helps to counter Monroe's lack of defensive mobility to a degree.  Also while he's not much of a rim protector, Bass dead lead the Celtics in blocks this year (1 per game). 

Neither player is much of a rim protector, but I think either combo would work.

I think Zeller and Sully would both be really bad pairings.  Zeller because he's the worst defensive big on this team (his PER allowed of around 22 is absolutely horrendous) and Sully because he's not scary enough from three or midrange to scare teams out of doubling Monroe...and if they do leave Monroe and run at Sully, he doesn't have the ability to put it on the floor like Bass and Olynyk - he's more likely to force a contested three, or hold the ball and look for the pass.   Of the opponent can stay on Monroe and leave Sully open, since there's a 75% chance(as a ~25% 3Pt shooter) that he'll miss the shot anyway. 

Bass is a lights-out shooter from midrange and is a versatile defensive player - these help to make up for Monroe's lack of foot speed and shooting range.  On the other hand Monroe is a dominant post player and rebounder as well as a very good passer - all areas Bass is weak. 

I think those two guys compliment each other pretty well. 

[crimson_stallion]

Offensively, Monroe has always reminded me most of Pau Gasol.  Defensively he's probably comparable to Pau, too, except for the fact that he doesn't really get blocks.

Monroe is lacking one pretty significant weapon in his arsenal in order to be as effective as Pau: a 15-18 foot jumper.  If he can add that, he'll be a perennial All-Star.

I agree, funnily enough I keep seeing that exact same comparison in my head too.

He has that same tall, broad, long and wiry-strong frame.  He has the low post game.  He has the passing ability out of the post.  The rebounding.  The unselfish offensive play style.

As you said, if he added a consistent midrange jumper he'd be a virtual clone of Pau Gasol minus (of course) the shot blocking.

[PhoSita]

Terrence Jones and Derrick Favors are two guys who I think could work next to Monroe.  Faried could be interesting, too, but it would require him developing a jumper.

In the draft, maybe Looney or Harrell?  If Looney could ever come close to his potential as a Lamar Odom type that would be perfect.

[kraidstar]

i'm rapidly warming to the idea of monroe. mostly because, after watching the pistons play a few times, it's obvious that he and drummond are literally the only things keeping that team from being the worst in the league. the supporting cast is beyond awful.

but when monroe is on the court, he is a force. he stands out compared to his teammates almost as much as anthony davis does in new orleans. it makes one wonder how good he might be if he had some help around him.

and i think he has the potential to be a better player is he plays center full time. that is where his value could really skyrocket. as a PF he is slow, but as a C he is fairly quick, and highly skilled. playing C would keep his anchored closer to the basket on defense, where he is far more effective, as he doesn't have great speed further out on the court.

[SHAQATTACK]

Just as Jonas was under used or not played correctly , probably the same could be said for Monroe.

It might be clear to Monroe , seeing what the Celtics do.  His stock might rise by being in Boston on less than a max contract .

This could be a case of DA flipping an expensive project .......bring his full potential out.

An improved Monroe COULD net you a top 10 pick .......for the center CBS really wants.

Monroe could be the next BIG AL ...lead in to,a future super star upgrade.

[Celtics4ever]

Monroe and a guy not on the roster is who would work best.

Sully and KO and Monroe are not top tier defenders.

I think Monroe sully are the two best players

LOL would be help defense from Hades!  Horrible

[boscel33]

He's number three on my list.  Jordan, a call to the Sixers to see if Noel can be had, and Monroe.  Of course, still need a scoring SF.

[LGC88]

I would like to see Monroe under CBS. I wonder if he will pick Boston over NY...

[JBcat]

Terrence Jones and Derrick Favors are two guys who I think could work next to Monroe.  Faried could be interesting, too, but it would require him developing a jumper.

In the draft, maybe Looney or Harrell?  If Looney could ever come close to his potential as a Lamar Odom type that would be perfect.

I like Favors and Faried to for that matter.  Maybe work out some sort of Favors for Sully deal, and I might be on board with this.

[PhoSita]

Terrence Jones and Derrick Favors are two guys who I think could work next to Monroe.  Faried could be interesting, too, but it would require him developing a jumper.

In the draft, maybe Looney or Harrell?  If Looney could ever come close to his potential as a Lamar Odom type that would be perfect.

I like Favors and Faried to for that matter.  Maybe work out some sort of Favors for Sully deal, and I might be on board with this.

Don't see it happening.  Favors is really, really good, and the Hayward-Favors-Gobert combo played really well together last year.  The Jazz just need to make the other pieces work and they'll have a team that can win a lot of games.

[Ilikesports17]

Of the 3 existing bigs we have which works better
Monroe sully
Monroe Kelly
Zeller Monroe

I think Zeller Monroe works best but I think Monroe sully are the two best players and Monroe KO has the potential to be crazy on offense at least

I think Olynyk, because Olynyk is a triple-threat offensive player - he can shoot the three, he can put it on the floor, he can pass, and he has excellent basketball IQ. 

That's exactly the type of guy you DON'T want to leave open on a double-team attempt because if Monroe passes out of the double team to Olynyk and the defense reacts and runs at KO, it's very to predict what he's going to do.  If they close out hard or send a bigger defender running at him, then he can put he ball on the floor and run straight past the defense.  If they close out soft or send a small guy at him, he can make use of his 7 foot frame and shoot right over the defense.  Even if they do manage to close out effectively, he's got outstanding court vision and will find the open guy more often then not. 

Tough, tough offensive matchup for the opponent.

My second choice would be Bass because even though he doesn't have three point range, he's a career 46% shooter from 10 feet to the 3 point line.  If you leave him open he'll hit the jumper 8 times out of 10.  If you challenge him, he's very good at shooting that shot over the defense.  If you run at him hard, then (like Olynyk) he can put the ball on the floor and make a hard drive to the basket.

He's also got a freakishly long wingspan (relative to his height) which, when combined with his good lateral mobility, allows him to defend anything from small forwards to centers.  This helps to counter Monroe's lack of defensive mobility to a degree.  Also while he's not much of a rim protector, Bass dead lead the Celtics in blocks this year (1 per game). 

Neither player is much of a rim protector, but I think either combo would work.

I think Zeller and Sully would both be really bad pairings.  Zeller because he's the worst defensive big on this team (his PER allowed of around 22 is absolutely horrendous) and Sully because he's not scary enough from three or midrange to scare teams out of doubling Monroe...and if they do leave Monroe and run at Sully, he doesn't have the ability to put it on the floor like Bass and Olynyk - he's more likely to force a contested three, or hold the ball and look for the pass.   Of the opponent can stay on Monroe and leave Sully open, since there's a 75% chance(as a ~25% 3Pt shooter) that he'll miss the shot anyway. 

Bass is a lights-out shooter from midrange and is a versatile defensive player - these help to make up for Monroe's lack of foot speed and shooting range.  On the other hand Monroe is a dominant post player and rebounder as well as a very good passer - all areas Bass is weak. 

I think those two guys compliment each other pretty well.

I unfortunately agree. Right now, Sully and Zeller are our 2 best bigs, but neither work terrifically with Monroe. Bass Monroe is the bast pair. Bass can defend the permiter and stretch fours and can hit the midrange j. The issue is that I think he is the worst big we have and hes on the downside of his career.

The nice thing is that the skillsets of Turner, Harrel, Wood, Lyles and Looney all complement him pretty well.

Turner is the shot blocker and he can spread the floor. Wood and Harrell are also shot blockers which would make up for defensive deficiencies, they also have potential to be very good midrange shooters. Lyles and Looney would play the Lamar Odom role. Both can defend the perimeter and both are athletic guys who could even play the wing.

Outiside of Turner who is a great shot blocker and has range, all these guys can gaurd the perimeter and hit the midrange j consistently. All of them outside of Lyles can play D at a high level.

I think any of the 5 could be a nice pairing with Monroe.