Why Monroe Should Start

[DetroitPistons]

I originally wanted Smith to start over Monroe for a few reasons. He was the better defender, was just as good a passer as Monroe, could spread the floor better, and was believed to be used better under SVG. Also, Monroe took the QO which made starting Smith easier. However, almost all of those things have turned out to be false. Smith has not been a good defender since ATL, still takes horrendous jump shots at the worst possible times, completely kills any rhythm we have with his horrible offense (both inside and outside), and has been no better under SVG.

Here is why Monroe is a much better option to start at PF. He isn't a great defender but has been no worse than Smith, is just as good of a passer as Smith (even smarter because he doesn't force passes as much), is a far superior rebounder (something we SUCK at), is a consistent offensive option (something we desperately need), has already developed good chemistry with Drummond, and is more likely to stay if we commit to him as the starting PF and key piece of this team. Additionally, Smith will still be getting around 30 minutes a game and since he can play with either Monroe or Drummond we wouldn't be losing any flexibility. It would also be much easier to ride Monroe for longer stretches and glue Smith to the bench for longer stretches without causing a controversy. It would make sense since Monroe would be starting. Also, this still allows for plenty of minutes for Smith to hopefully build up his value (If we completely benched him he would be even less tradeable).

So there is a long list of reasons why Smith should go to the bench (until he is traded) and why Monroe should start so that we can finally kick off this Monroe/Drummond era that many of us were drooling over a couple of years ago. Do you guys agree? or disagree? and why?

[ImHeisenberg]

Moose should start. Smith shouldn't even be in the NBA.


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[nastassiav]

Bro, Josh Smith shouldnt even be in the roation. Much rather have Datome playing his spot. Crazy thing is we would have a better record if he took his minutes hah

[DetroitSho]

I originally wanted Smith to start over Monroe for a few reasons. He was the better defender, was just as good a passer as Monroe, could spread the floor better, and was believed to be used better under SVG. Also, Monroe took the QO which made starting Smith easier. However, almost all of those things have turned out to be false. Smith has not been a good defender since ATL, still takes horrendous jump shots at the worst possible times, completely kills any rhythm we have with his horrible offense (both inside and outside), and has been no better under SVG.

Here is why Monroe is a much better option to start at PF. He isn't a great defender but has been no worse than Smith, is just as good of a passer as Smith (even smarter because he doesn't force passes as much), is a far superior rebounder (something we SUCK at), is a consistent offensive option (something we desperately need), has already developed good chemistry with Drummond, and is more likely to stay if we commit to him as the starting PF and key piece of this team. Additionally, Smith will still be getting around 30 minutes a game and since he can play with either Monroe or Drummond we wouldn't be losing any flexibility. It would also be much easier to ride Monroe for longer stretches and glue Smith to the bench for longer stretches without causing a controversy. It would make sense since Monroe would be starting. Also, this still allows for plenty of minutes for Smith to hopefully build up his value (If we completely benched him he would be even less tradeable).

So there is a long list of reasons why Smith should go to the bench (until he is traded) and why Monroe should start so that we can finally kick off this Monroe/Drummond era that many of us were drooling over a couple of years ago. Do you guys agree? or disagree? and why?

I'm honestly not sure what took you this long, but at least you get it. I'm embarrassed for anyone willing to go down with the Josh Smith ship. Hopefully people can now see the "he signed the QO so Smith should start" reason was always ridiculous. And also see the "floor spacing" and "better fit" reasons in favor of Smith were always false. Josh Smith has basketball talent but he's just not a good basketball player. Period, point blank.

[sc8581]

Monroe should be starting alright but at the 5 next to Smith.

[princeofpalace]

Glad to see more people coming around to the obvious

[MotownMadness]

Josh Smiths whole approach to the game is just disgusting and toxic. We need to just bite the bullet on his contract and play him about as much as we did CV. You just cant expect to win games with someone as toxic as him on the court.

[MotownMadness]

Monroe should be starting alright but at the 5 next to Smith.

Lol, even on Drummonds worst days hes way more efficient and impactful than Smith. And Drummonds still a raw 21 year old. Smith is probably the worst player in the league when you factor in his IQ and usage.

[DetroitPistons]

I originally wanted Smith to start over Monroe for a few reasons. He was the better defender, was just as good a passer as Monroe, could spread the floor better, and was believed to be used better under SVG. Also, Monroe took the QO which made starting Smith easier. However, almost all of those things have turned out to be false. Smith has not been a good defender since ATL, still takes horrendous jump shots at the worst possible times, completely kills any rhythm we have with his horrible offense (both inside and outside), and has been no better under SVG.

Here is why Monroe is a much better option to start at PF. He isn't a great defender but has been no worse than Smith, is just as good of a passer as Smith (even smarter because he doesn't force passes as much), is a far superior rebounder (something we SUCK at), is a consistent offensive option (something we desperately need), has already developed good chemistry with Drummond, and is more likely to stay if we commit to him as the starting PF and key piece of this team. Additionally, Smith will still be getting around 30 minutes a game and since he can play with either Monroe or Drummond we wouldn't be losing any flexibility. It would also be much easier to ride Monroe for longer stretches and glue Smith to the bench for longer stretches without causing a controversy. It would make sense since Monroe would be starting. Also, this still allows for plenty of minutes for Smith to hopefully build up his value (If we completely benched him he would be even less tradeable).

So there is a long list of reasons why Smith should go to the bench (until he is traded) and why Monroe should start so that we can finally kick off this Monroe/Drummond era that many of us were drooling over a couple of years ago. Do you guys agree? or disagree? and why?

I'm honestly not sure what took you this long, but at least you get it. I'm embarrassed for anyone willing to go down with the Josh Smith ship. Hopefully people can now see the "he signed the QO so Smith should start" reason was always ridiculous. And also see the "floor spacing" and "better fit" reasons in favor of Smith were always false. Josh Smith has basketball talent but he's just not a good basketball player. Period, point blank.

I think it was reasonable to believe SVG would put him in a position to be more productive. He has shown in the past to be much more efficient, specifically that one year where he didn't shoot 3's and ended up shooting over 50% on the season. However, I think the preseason and the first 3 games of the regular season have provided zero evidence that Smith is playing better/smarter under SVG.

[Spider156]

I definitely agree, start Monroe. I expect this to happen soon if Smith keeps playing like an idiot. However, I can't get over that we wouldn't have any offense coming from our second string. Smith definitely takes a lot of the blame for us losing the first 3 games. But, seriously, nobody is making shots. KCP needs to grow up. Imagine if he could actually get double digits efficiently. Having Meeks won't help much if that's what you're thinking. The guy is an efficient 3 pt chucker and that doesn't mean that he will be good. He'll give up the points on the other side. With that said, we need shooters DESPERATELY!!!

[czar]

Bro, Josh Smith shouldnt even be in the roation. Much rather have Datome playing his spot. Crazy thing is we would have a better record if he took his minutes hah

Josh Smith is easily the 3rd most talented player in the roster. With that being said, we all need to recognize our lack of talent. We need to stop overhyping Drummond. Yes hes GOING to be a beast, but hes no better than DeAndre Jordan as of right now. Moose needs to start because he is the teams best offensive option. Smith needs to come off the bench as the third big so he can feast on bench guys and Datome for all I care, can go back playing overseas because hes just not an NBA player. He doesnt fit his NBA position size and skillwise.

[sc8581]

Bro, Josh Smith shouldnt even be in the roation. Much rather have Datome playing his spot. Crazy thing is we would have a better record if he took his minutes hah

Josh Smith is easily the 3rd most talented player in the roster. With that being said, we all need to recognize our lack of talent. We need to stop overhyping Drummond. Yes hes GOING to be a beast, but hes no better than DeAndre Jordan as of right now. Moose needs to start because he is the teams best offensive option. Smith needs to come off the bench as the third big so he can feast on bench guys and Datome for all I care, can go back playing overseas because hes just not an NBA player. He doesnt fit his NBA position size and skillwise.

DeAndre Jordan is light years ahead of Drummond on defense.

[czar]

Bro, Josh Smith shouldnt even be in the roation. Much rather have Datome playing his spot. Crazy thing is we would have a better record if he took his minutes hah

Josh Smith is easily the 3rd most talented player in the roster. With that being said, we all need to recognize our lack of talent. We need to stop overhyping Drummond. Yes hes GOING to be a beast, but hes no better than DeAndre Jordan as of right now. Moose needs to start because he is the teams best offensive option. Smith needs to come off the bench as the third big so he can feast on bench guys and Datome for all I care, can go back playing overseas because hes just not an NBA player. He doesnt fit his NBA position size and skillwise.

DeAndre Jordan is light years ahead of Drummond on defense.

I disagree. Dre has the tools right now to be as good as DJ defensively. But if you told me that Dre lacked the hustle and the fire to compete on a nightly basis then I would agree with you.

[sc8581]

Josh Smith is easily the 3rd most talented player in the roster. With that being said, we all need to recognize our lack of talent. We need to stop overhyping Drummond. Yes hes GOING to be a beast, but hes no better than DeAndre Jordan as of right now. Moose needs to start because he is the teams best offensive option. Smith needs to come off the bench as the third big so he can feast on bench guys and Datome for all I care, can go back playing overseas because hes just not an NBA player. He doesnt fit his NBA position size and skillwise.

DeAndre Jordan is light years ahead of Drummond on defense.

I disagree. Dre has the tools right now to be as good as DJ defensively. But if you told me that Dre lacked the hustle and the fire to compete on a night to night basis then I would agree with you.

He's clueless on both ends man, I don't care what tools you have if you don't know how to use them whatsoever.

[MotownMadness]

DeAndre Jordan is light years ahead of Drummond on defense.

I disagree. Dre has the tools right now to be as good as DJ defensively. But if you told me that Dre lacked the hustle and the fire to compete on a night to night basis then I would agree with you.

He's clueless on both ends man, I don't care what tools you have if you don't know how to use them whatsoever.

I think we need to wait till seasons end befor we start talking this way. Hes just got started with Stan and is already on his 4th coach.

[Phenomenonsense]

DeAndre Jordan is light years ahead of Drummond on defense.

I disagree. Dre has the tools right now to be as good as DJ defensively. But if you told me that Dre lacked the hustle and the fire to compete on a night to night basis then I would agree with you.

He's clueless on both ends man, I don't care what tools you have if you don't know how to use them whatsoever.

He has shown "half" of a developed post game one year after showing nothing. He's on his way. I would lose every game from here on out for this season to help him along in his development. Secondly, younger players have the toughest time in the league dealing with scheme changes. This team needs mid-season form like no tomorrow.

[sc8581]

I disagree. Dre has the tools right now to be as good as DJ defensively. But if you told me that Dre lacked the hustle and the fire to compete on a night to night basis then I would agree with you.

He's clueless on both ends man, I don't care what tools you have if you don't know how to use them whatsoever.

He has shown "half" of a developed post game one year after showing nothing. He's on his way. I would lose every game from here on out for this season to help him along in his development. Secondly, younger players have the toughest time in the league dealing with scheme changes. This team needs mid-season form like no tomorrow.

Idk man, his post game looks like a joke to me, sure, sometimes the shot goes in but I wouldn't count on much improvement in that area, even over the course of his career. Look at Monroe and how comfortable he is with the ball, spinning and whatever else, that comes from playing a lot as a kid, if he were longer and more athletic he would be one of the best in the game. Drummond has the physical tools but none of the feel or instincts.

[Neptune]

Monroe will never start over Smith(at the 4 spot) simple because of defense. At some point folks gotta understand this.

[princeofpalace]

Monroe will never start over Smith(at the 4 spot) simple because of defense. At some point folks gotta understand this.

Lets be REAL clear here, Smith is not a plus defender. Furthermore, his utter lack of rebounding and horrible scoring negates anything he positive he may do on defense. This is obvious.

[mercury]

I think it's time for folks to come to grips that Moose will not be with this team next year... Yes we will own his bird rights, however any team can force a S&T or he threatens to leave for nothing... why would he prefer to stay here again?
He won't accept a trade and give up the benefits of bird rights (signing beyond the Max allowed)... per the Det News... "According to a source, Monroe's first preference was to facilitate a sign-and-trade for a fresh start, after four years of missing the playoffs"
The most likely scenario is a S&T for a lesser talent... meaning we're spinning our wheels making him the featured scorer... he absolutely SUCKS at defending his new position... this importance should never be blown off as irrelevant.

The quickest path to success is to put Monroe on the back burner and start to feed Dre the ball (like LB did with Ben)... we are not going to be a playoff force this year... now is the time to bite the bullet and grow the future core (Dinwiddie, Dre, KCP)... who knows maybe this will lead to a solid draft pick as our next SF.