Greg Monroe Is Going North Of The Border
Not exactly a true Shams Bomb, but Monroe is definitely the best big man available on the open market. And seeing as how the Raptors do not have a backup center after trading Poetl, there is a definite need for Monroe on this roster, especially at the vet minimum. Also, I’m curious if the following has ever happened to any of you. Have you ever seen a roster move done in 2K that somehow ends up happening in real life? That’s what happened to me with Greg Monroe. He signed an offseason deal in TOR in the my2K mode, and here we are in real life. Granted here it was for less money, but this shit freaks me out. I am of the mantra that 2K never lies, and I’m starting to think it can see into the future as well. Sure they also predicted Isaiah was going to sign in IND for max money but that’s neither here nor there. If you’ve seen this I’d love to hear about it.
So how exactly does Monroe fit in TOR? Well, aside form filling a position of need Monroe is certainly a serviceable big man as long as you have the right expectations. He’s going to be a disaster defensively, but is a legit offensive option that you can either give the ball to on the block and clear out, or use him in P&R. A tremendous passer for his position he’ll help open things up for TOR and their athletic wings who should be doing nothing but cutting when he gets the ball, and there are moments during a game where he can carry you offensively for two or three possessions while your starters rest. If someone gets hurt and you need to spot start him, he has the experience there as well. I would think he’s going to spend the majority of his minutes with the VanVleet/Wright/Siakam/Miles lineup and that should have enough defensive guys out there to hopefully cover for the times when Monroe is embarrassingly slow on his rotations. He may have been an afterthought in the Celtics rotation, but don’t read too much into that. They guy has skills that can help a contending team.
It’s also important that TOR fans factor in one little nugget when it comes to Monroe. He is on the short list of certified Celtics killers. It doesn’t matter who he plays for, whenever he faces the Celts he absolutely manhandles them. Part of me is convinced that’s why Ainge went out and got him in the second half so no potential playoff opponent could use him. Considering the fact that TOR will be chasing/competing with BOS all season, this is something to keep an eye on.
If you’re a Raptors fan and have no idea what this new asset looks like, here ya go