Greg Monroe To Visit With Celtics When NBA Free Agency Opens
BOSTON (CBS) -- When NBA free agency kicks off later this week, the Boston Celtics are one of five teams center Greg Monroe plans to visit in his quest for a new home.
The Celtics could certainly use the big man, who averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons last season. Monroe doesn't bring the cachet of a LaMarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol, the two biggest names at center that will hit the free agent market on Wednesday, but he's been a solid offensive presence and post-up player since coming into the league as the seventh overall pick in 2010.
"I'm looking to be with a team that's ready to win," Monroe told The Advocate over the weekend in New Orleans at his youth basketball clinic. "Hopefully it will be a team where I'm the missing piece."
While Monroe's career averages of 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest would be a piece the Celtics would gladly add, he is lacking on the defensive end and isn't the rim protector the Celtics need at the moment. Still, with the bigger name free agents likely seeking monster deals from teams in more desirable destinations, targeting players like Monroe in the second-tier of free agents may be the best route for the Celtics.
However, there will be competition for Monroe, as there will be with any big man who hits the market. In addition to Boston, Monroe is expected to meet with the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.
