Greg Monroe (Photo : Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks took a step back from their breakthrough season and ended up missing the playoffs in 2016. Now they're back in the thick of NBA trade rumors.
What was supposed to be a cause for celebration for the Bucks has become a cause for consternation. Greg Monroe was a milestone for the team and the league as a whole, when a coveted free agent chose "small town" Milwaukee over the bright lights of New York.
But the weaknesses of Monroe's game quickly unraveled and the Bucks' defensive efficiency suffered. Greg Monroe has been the butt of trade rumors early in the season when the Bucks floundered but the team decided to stand by their prized signing-even after the trade deadline. It was only after the season ended when the team admitted that Monroe is now on the block.
Even ESPN experts Zach Lowe and Marc Stein had discussed Monroe and his possible destinations (Spoiler: there's not a lot) and it was chronicled by Hoops Rumors.
"The Bucks are still looking to find a taker for Greg Monroe and it sounds like they've spoken to the Pelicans about him this offseason. 'I think [the Bucks] got closer than maybe has been reported with New Orleans during either the draft or free agency,' Lowe said 'Monroe's a New Orleans native," ESPN's Marc Stein added. "I think that's where he wants to end up.'"
While Stein and Lowe did not exactly confirm current talks between the two teams, Lowe confirmed that they already had discussions and came close to a deal.
There are many ways to read the tea leaves on what Lowe said. One of them is that the Pelicans were probably wary of Monroe's fit on their team and that's why they are not willing to give up that much.
However, based on the Pelicans' side, they may be warming up to the idea of pairing Monroe with their star player, Anthony Davis. David Fisher of SB Nation site The Bird Writes thought that adding Monroe would "make sense."
Fisher refuted the notion that Monroe is a bad defensive player overall. The Bucks made him defend the pick and roll, and "Moose" is not built to chase shooters from beyond the paint. But the overall ratings reflect that "in each of the last three seasons his team has posted a better net rating with Moose on the court than off."
The numbers don't lie. Comparing the net defensive rating when Monroe is on the court and off, it was always better with Monroe around. In Milwaukee last season (-2.7 on, -4.8 off) Detroit, 2015 (-1.7 on, -2.0 off) and 2014 (-4.1 on, -4.9 off), the stats are clear. Davis is the ideal partner to cover for Monroe's deficiencies. The Unibrow has the length to chase shooters and Monroe can cover the post defense.
On offense, Monroe is a beast. He can score, rebound and is also an underrated passer with a low turnover rate. But Fisher is looking at the big picture. Monroe will likely stay in New Orleans-his hometown, and if the Davis-Monroe tandem becomes a solid force, the Unibrow is unlikely to leave when his option comes.
Should New Orleans trade for Greg Monroe? For the right price, the answer is yes. He could be the best frontcourt partner the Unibrow has ever had (to be honest, he really hasn't gotten too many good ones). If it doesn't work out, Monroe could be a free agent and leave (via player option). Anthony Davis would probably approve.
