Trader_Joe wrote:sc8581 wrote:Slartibartfast wrote:A below-average finisher in the paint is more efficient than a below-average finisher outside the paint. Monroe's ability to generate so many looks in the paint, even if he doesn't finish them at a high-level, is still very valuable.
Not MAX contract valuable
Disagree.
He is an excellent rebounder and excellent passing big man with the ability to get off a plethora of shots in the post. He's also an intelligent professional (as opposed to DMC for example) And while's he's inefficient now, he was also 22 years old and in his 3rd year last season playing on a bad team without a quality PG. Even the article stated there's not much to take away from that stat for the future of Monroe.
And, no, he's not a great defender or athlete, but he's still learning and has the size to improve. Plus, he has Drummond next to him.
Anyway.. sorry to jump in here.
I find the Pistons fascinating this year (agree with the watchable ranking) and have long been a Monroe and Drummond fan. I think those two can fit together fine as you have dominant rebounding, Monroe's passing ability and if either is doubled, the other has an open dunk. It's Smith I see as the issue (or the lack of shooting in the starting 5 overall), but his contract is actually very fair and movable IMO, however I agree with the other article I read on your board that said Monroe could end up being the scapegoat here, which was somewhat the basis for my trade speculation thread on the Trade Board. Not that Detroit will be making a trade anytime soon, but if things aren't looking good at the deadline, I have a feeling Dumars (as with most GMs) might be too prideful to admit the Smith signing was a mistake and look to trade Monroe and his looming max contract. Monroe could also bring back more value in trade than Smith IMO.
I'll admit, I also am a closet Jennings fan (or at least don't' hate him nearly as much as most people) and think his quickness and penetration (despite his inability to finish) could be huge for Monroe and Dru
mmond as long as he is dumping the pass off to them and not trying to score himself.
Nice post. Couldn't agree more, you were spot on about Monroe, dumars, and jennings.