NBA Free Agents 2014 Rumors: Could Greg Monroe Play for Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in acquiring veteran power forward Greg Monroe when he becomes a free agent this summer, reports indicated on Friday.
The Celtics, trying to re-capture their spot among the Eastern Conference elites, will make a run for the 23-year-old Monroe when the free agency window re-opens in three months.
Monroe, the seventh overall pick in 2010 Draft, is drawing interest from multiple teams, including the rebuilding Celtics, who will miss the postseason for the first time since 2007. Monroe is averaging 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds and is considered one of the most coveted big men in the game today.
According to Celtics Beat writer Michael Walsh of Bleacher Report, Boston will be a much different team next season because of their ample salary cap space and a projected Top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which is hyped as the deepest since the legendary 2003 Draft class.
Rumors indicate that the Celtics will attempt to steal Monroe from the Pistons by offering a max contract. The Pistons might have the right to match any offer sheet for Monroe, but many analysts doubt the team's capability to lock down the power forward for a lucrative deal, especially after signing small forward Josh Smith last summer.
Better Off With the Celtics
Monroe might not be a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end, but the big man knows how to score buckets efficiently. NBA followers rated Monroe as an elite rebounder and solid operator in the shaded lane with below-average defensive skills.
Despite this weak spot, many are still upbeat about Monroe's potential with the Celtics, who are known as a strong defensive team. According to Walsh, Monroe could even reach his full potential with point guard Rajon Rondo running the offense.
"Monroe isn't the shot-blocking rim-protector you continually hear coaches and fans craving. However, he is an elite rebounder with an excellent interior scoring game. His defensive ratings are not good. However, a lot of that can be indicative of his team, which gives up 104.2 points per game. In a better system like Boston's (100.3 points per game with no center) those numbers would improve," Walsh stated.
With Rondo set to become a free agent in the summer of 2015, the Celtics are looking for a quick fix and a solution to speed up their rebuilding efforts. Monroe could be an answer, and it's up for general manager Danny Ainge to get him when he becomes available.