Stan Van Gundy now coaches and runs basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons. Simply put, Van Gundy now has a lot of control and says in Detroit basketball matters.
The Pistons were a mess this year, having plenty of talent but absolutely no chemistry. In comments after the season, Pistons forward Greg Monroe stated there was a lack of chemistry within the locker room.
League source: SVG is a big fan of Greg Monroe. Called Monroe last night when deal was final. Ownership group highly fond of Monroe.
— Vincent Ellis (@Vincent_Ellis56) May 14, 2014
The team construction was very oddly thought through as front court players Monroe, Josh Smith and Andre Drummond didn’t mesh well. There just isn’t enough room in the paint for each player and together they do not make a great fit.
Drummond is the Pistons’ rising star; he patrols the paint it becomes difficult to reach maximum potential with two other paint players. Greg Monroe is a great rebounder and can score points on the block. If that isn’t enough Josh Smith was not working as the starting small forward. Without Monroe he could play his much more natural position at power forward.
Monroe will be a restricted free agent this summer. This means the Pistons can match any contract other teams throw at him. The question becomes…will they match?
Now that we have established reasons why the Pistons could likely part ways with Monroe, let’s look at his potential new suitors and see where the Mavericks stand in all the hoopla.
Charlotte Hornets:
Yes, you read that correctly. The HORNETS are BACK! Charlotte ditches the Bobcats tag and returns to its original name before the franchise left for New Orleans in 2002.
Last summer the then Bobcats added big man Al Jefferson in free agency and he turned in a fantastic All-Star level season, including only the second playoff berth in team history. One summer later and they’re after another front court player – Greg Monroe.
Charlotte sounds willing to deal with the defensive deficiencies a Monroe and Jefferson pairing would bring, because they’d present a wicked offensive duo.
Michael Jordan’s squad isn’t going to land any of the marquee free agent names, so landing a player like Monroe would be a major win in the off-season.
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Los Angeles Lakers:
The Lakers seem to be in play for every big name free agent; add Monroe to the list. They may look to replace their own free agent Pau Gasol, so Monroe could be his predecessor. The Lakers currently do not have a coach and the coaching has been a mess ever since Phil Jackson left. This definitely could sway the reserved Monroe away from the Lakers.
Los Angeles’ flashy lights aren’t for everyone. With Monroe being 24 he will definitely be looking for a competitive team that can maximize his skill set. Time will tell if the Lakers can put together a quality team again.
Well, the Lakers are rumored to pursue Greg Monroe this summer if they can’t get Carmelo Anthony. http://t.co/PuiUiZMceN — Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 15, 2014
If offered a max deal from the legendary Lakers, it probably would be hard to pass up for Monroe when all said and done.
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Washington Wizards:
The Washington Wizards, in my opinion, are the most intriguing team for Monroe’s services. With Marcin Gortat possibly on the move this summer, Monroe is the best option to fill in. Side by side with Nene, the pairing would be outstanding. As John Wall and Bradley Beal get better and better by the year adding Monroe would make them a force in the East for years to come.
Interest in Monroe isn’t new for Ernie Grunfeld’s Wizards. They kicked the tires on a possible trade during the season, but nothing transpired. One would expect Washington to make a hard play to keep Gortat who has been an incredible fit. If they cannot retain Gortat, they’ll certainly take another look at the former local Georgetown product.
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Dallas Mavericks:
I’ll start by going over the things that Monroe does well. Monroe is a great offensive player. He can do it all around the rim along with solid passing ability. He averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds last year, both decreases from the year before. Monroe has a decent mid range shot, but could use some improvement.
He is not a great shot blocker according to his stats. He has only averaged .6 blocks throughout his career. At 6’11” and 250 pounds you would really expect more. Monroe may like the mix of Dallas, being a big market while not experiencing the microscopic scrutiny the Lakers bring. An established, top-level coach in Rick Carlisle should also be a drawing point.
Per Basketball Insiders Senior Writer Eric Pincus:
Greg Monroe leaves the Detroit Pistons for the Dallas Mavericks
The Pistons might match an offer to Monroe, who will be restricted, but with Andre Drummond, Josh Smith and little sign the group has chemistry, Detroit may let him go if the price is too high.
The Mavericks need help at small forward and center, Monroe would be an interesting, young big to pair with Nowitzki.
Restricted free agents typically come at a premium. Detroit might not match a max, four-year offer to Monroe (starting at roughly $14 million, $57.9 million total).
Dallas might be able to re-sign Shawn Marion, Vince Carter and Devin Harris, while keeping Nowitzki and adding in Monroe.
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Everything considered, I will say Greg Monroe could be a fit for the Mavs. If the Mavs could acquire improved on ball defense along with Greg Monroe I think our defense could improve without missing a beat on offense.
However, the lack of shot blocking from Monroe could steer our front office away from Monroe. I, for one, hope they do everything they can. Very rarely does one of the league’s top young big man become a possibility for the Mavs.
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