Before the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery began, I had a chance to catch up with 
Detroit Pistons’ Greg Monroe who was there to represent the Pistons at the lottery.
Monroe, who had a solid rookie season averaging 9.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shot 55% from the field, was hoping to bring some luck to Detroit at the lottery and was wearing a Chuck Daly pin for luck.
Unfortunately for Detroit and Monroe, the Pistons did not win the lottery and will be selecting at the eighth spot in the upcoming NBA Draft.
As I caught up with Monroe, he is grabbing a plate to fill up on some desserts served at the media hospitality tent at the NBA Entertainment offices. We walked back to his table where Monroe spoke with me on the talent-pool in the 2011 draft, the Pistons and more.
Jeff: Many feel this draft is not as strong as in years past. Do you think otherwise?
Greg: I would definitely say they got a group of young solid players coming out this year. They’re very talented. It will be interesting to see where they fall.
What are your thoughts on the Pistons season. Think the team is heading in the right direction?
We have a young core group of guys. We’re just trying to grow as a team and hopefully get this team back to the success they’re used to.
You had a solid rookie season. What are you looking to improve on next season?
Everything. I’m just going to come back stronger. Improve my skills as much as I can and be there to help my team as much as I can.
It is said the NBA is point guard dominated but the value of a big man, like yourself, is still needed.
Yeah. To be successful you have to have a big man. But there are definitely a lot of great point guards in the league right now. But basketball, it’s always going to be a mixture of having great guards and big men.
(photo: daylife.com)
