There have been many rumors and reports that Greg Monroe may sign with the New York Knicks in free agency. This coming from the fact that it is 100% certain, that he will not return to the Detroit Pistons. Monroe has scheduled meetings with at least 4 teams, and the Pistons are not one of the teams on that list.
Monroe is coming off arguably his best season in the NBA. He averaged a double double (15.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG) which is proof that Monroe is starting to get how to be effective in the NBA. Monroe was on the floor for 31.0 minutes per game. It’s not as many as the 35.4 minutes per game that LaMarcus Aldridge posted, but is still impressive. The major appeal to Monroe is that he has much upside, and is only 25 years of age.
The Knicks are in desperate need of a big man. They may have drafted Kristaps Porzingis, (who has been said to be the 2nd best player in the draft by some) but Porzingis is a project that probably won’t reach difference making abilities until his 2nd year. He does not have the body to bang with the best centers in the league. Monroe is a player that will instantly provide a rim protector and clog up the paint. The Knicks struggled on a nightly basis giving up points in the paint, and Monroe would address those needs.
Monroe is also a great block to block scorer, and a tenacious rebounder. His style of play fits perfectly in the triangle scheme that Phil Jackson is still pushing. He would feast on the offensive glass, and has a polished low post game. This would keep Carmelo Anthony fresh later in games by providing a legitimate 2nd scoring option, as well as give him confidence in his shooting knowing that Monroe will clean up any miss.
The question is, is Monroe worth the max contract that he most likely will demand. When you’re a team that struggled as much as New York did at the center position, that answer is Yes. Now it’s up to Jackson to seal the deal.
Barry Holmes is a Contributing Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732 or “Like” him on Facebook