Is Greg Monroe The Lakers Next Big Man?
Is Monroe Worth it?
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How the Lakers are currently assembled, they can play either an up-tempo offense or a slow half-court game. It truly depends on how new coach Byron Scott constructs his system with the current talent. The potential of Monroe joining the Lakers next summer would give them a solid big man for the foreseeable future. With Scott manning the sidelines, Monroe could reach his potential of being a dominant paint presence. He would be well worth the risk if Scott could maximize his potential, giving him freedom to play his game and figure out his flaws.
At only 24 years old, Monroe still has time to develop into an elite center. Given the fact Kevin Love is off the market, Monroe seems to be a legit consolation prize for a team that’s still searching for an identity. One thing that Monroe has not been given credit for is his ability to stay healthy.
According to Basketball-Reference.com, he has only missed three games in four years! That’s unheard of for a post player in the NBA and could be a huge factor for the Lakers, who need players without extensive injury history. Staying healthy isn’t listed on a stat sheet, but goes a long way in determining dollars on a contract.
The ultimate con with Monroe is his max contract demand. The Lakers want to stay flexible for the next several years in hopes of landing a true superstar. Monroe is a nice player right now who could develop into a star, but he’s far from elite. That is something he’ll have to change if he wants to don the purple and gold.