Greg Monroe probably is not quite recognizable in NBA circles yet. That is kind of hard for a guy who is 6-foot-11, 253 pounds. It is hard to find someone who is so quietly dominating the paint and trying to get into that tier of good, young big men along with Georgetown predecessor Roy Hibbert, constantly injured but supremely talented Andrew Bynum, and unhinged, but still promising center JaVale McGee.
It is easy to forget Monroe exists. He does not produce very many highlights. He plays for a team languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. He has teammates that overshadow him and seem to take his touches.
It is easy to overlook Monroe and the work he is doing. He was a shoo-in to make the Rising Stars Challenge, but who knows if Monroe will ever make the All-Star Game again. He could have been in the big game this Sunday according to some.
That is not according to Monroe though. Monroe, showing a lot of maturity beyond his 21 years, felt no ill will to being overlooked and under appreciated in a crowded NBA. In a league without many dominant big man, there is a void for a guy like Monroe to fill. And if he keeps improving and playing well, there is no telling where his ceiling might be.
“I like [having a bigger role],” Monroe said during All-Star Weekend. “I know I had to pay my dues and wait my turn. It’s something I’m used to. I have had a role like this for most of my life. I’m happy people look at me in that light [with star expectations]. I just have to make sure I continue to produce. I’m not worried about any of [the individual accolades]. I’m just worried about getting the Detroit Pistons more wins.”
Monroe has been a major bright spot for a young Pistons team that is languishing at the bottom of the Central Division. If there is reason to hope in the Motor City it is not in the high-priced Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva or in the ageless veteran, Tayshaun Prince. It is likely in the point guard-center tandem of Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe.
Monroe is much further along.
Monroe is averaging 16.8 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game through Feb. 28, showing marked improvement from his rookie year. He is posting a 23.1 PER which is third among NBA centers according to John Hollinger. Monroe turned in a strong game Wednesday night against Charlotte with a 19-point, 20-rebound performance.
That is not what you would expect because, frankly, nobody knows who Monroe is and the kind of player he is. Monroe will not be a secret much longer.
With Villanueva missing time because of an injury, Monroe has seen his playing time and his role increase. His usage rate is up and he is a focal point in the offense. Many had Monroe just on the outside of making the All-Star team. But you would have a tough time getting Monroe to talk about that.
“Everybody that is in [the All-Star Game], deserves to be in that game,” Monroe said of his supposed snub. “I don’t think I should be in there for anybody that is on that team. That’s one thing I’ve always tried to do is improve and try to continue to get better every day. And do whatever I can to help my team win. That’s one of the things I take pride in. Every time I walk in the gym, that’s what I try to do.”
During the Rising Stars Game, Monroe faded into the background, as big men often do, with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Wait, that doesn’t sound very quiet at all. Jeremy Lin, Ricky Rubio and Blake Griffin stole all the headline from Monroe for Team Shaq. This seems to be how Monroe has largely operated, very under the radar.
Monroe said he is still constantly looking to improve his post game and his rebounding. Confidence is key for a young player who is improving. Monroe is still growing and developing in those areas. But he is getting there.
Soon, it seems, he will be competing yearly for a spot on the East’s All-Star roster (they always need a backup center). Monroe, though he was on the short list of snubs this year, is not thinking about that day quite yet. With his team still at the bottom of the standings, Monroe is working to improve himself and his team. His individual accolades will come later.
