I don’t pretend to be an expert on the NBA. Let’s get that out in the open right now. I do have some common sense, though, and that is something the Bucks seem to be lacking.
Someone please tell me why Jason Kidd has just about benched his best center – Greg (Moose) Monroe?
While averaging only 17.6 minutes a game Monroe is second on the team in rebounds (6.3) and steals (1.25), literally tied for third in points (8.4), third in blocks (0.58) and tied for fourth in assists (2.3).
He is playing behind John Henson, who in 17 minutes, averages (4.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1 BPG) and Miles Plumlee, who in 13.1 minutes, averages (2.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG).
Let’s take a closer look at this.
TRADE MONROE
It is the worst kept secret that the Bucks have tried to trade Monroe. So how do you help Monroe’s trade value if you sit him on the bench? Unless there is a deal made and they don’t want him to get hurt, by not playing him you are making one of two weakest position (along with the 2 guard) weaker and hurt his trade value.
NBA HAS CHANGED
I have read enough stories about how the NBA as changed. You don’t need a center anymore, everyone is running up and down the court, yada, yada, yada. That is not Monroe’s game, I know. So what if Plumlee and Henson can run up and down the court better than Moose, this is the NBA and not the NCCA (National Cross Country Association).
HE’S A BLACK HOLE
People whine because they say the ball goes into him and doesn’t come out. He’s fourth on the team in assists per game so he must be passing it to someone! And if the ball does go inside to Monroe and he scores, that is something that Plumlee and Henson seem to be incapable of doing.
MONROE’S NOT THE PROBLEM
The problem lies in the front office. No matter what is being said, John Hammond is not calling all the shots. Kidd, who knows less about personnel than he does coaching, also has his fingers in the pie. And I have a feeling ownership does also.
Monroe did not change the type of player he is when the Bucks signed him. He has the ability to average a double-double – and there aren’t a lot of players who can say that. He was not brought here to block shots and shut down the other team’s center. So why do I have to listen to the experts complaining about that. That is not who he is.
I like Henson’s inside game, his defense around the basket and his little left handed hook, but he needs to develop another shot or two. Plumlee has that ability to run up and down the court and not get many results, although I stress in his defense, not from a lack of hustle.
But the bottom line is this. Monroe needs to play more minutes, with Henson as the closer and Plumlee filling in the rest. Even if Monroe comes off the bench to give the second team some scoring power, the minutes should increase.
It’s not really brain surgery.
