The Boston Celtics are reportedly hot on the trail of Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, the fact is that they have a lot of other teams to contend with to woo either player.
Despite that breakthrough which saw the Celtics barge into the last NBA playoffs with less heralded players, perhaps it would make sense to consider a less heralded big man who seems to be have been pushed back with the wave of high profile big men available come this July.
Greg Monroe, a long-time Detroit Piston, could be a good catch. While the Pistons claim that they will be doing everything to keep Monroe, the final decision will be at the hands of the 25-year-old from Georgetown University.
Monroe is not flashy and in the same caliber as Love or Aldridge but he does fit in for a team that veers away from the usual give-it-to-the-big-man philosophy. He does a lot of dirty work (rebound, score and defend) though not in the same level that teams would be looking for as far as a big man's definition is concerned.
Monroe is more of a team player and that alone could get coach Brad Stevens attention. With the Celtics armed with players with various offensive repertoire, a man in the middle to intimidate and help out off the boards could be enough to fill up certain voids the team has at the moment.
Further, Monroe is seen as someone who doesn't need to be offered a max contract. But that also doesn't mean he is someone that can be low-balled with cheap short-term contract offers. Either way and if the Celtics want a center that can be reliable, Monroe could fill in the slot.
Aside from the Celtics, the New York Knicks are also considering Monroe. Between the two, there is no word on who has the advantage.
Just the same and seeing how Stevens' philosophy is with the Celts, Monroe could be a good fit as he seems to be the missing ingredient to make the Celtics hum heading into the 2015-16 NBA season.
