Midseason report card with second half expectations

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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Greg Monroe #14 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the New York Knicks on January 26, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

It was not Greg Monroe’s fault that he ended up in Phoenix as the third (and even fourth) wheel at center. He might not have worked out in Milwaukee after a couple of very good years in Detroit, but sometimes situations that seem like they will be perfect end up blowing up in team’s and player’s faces.

That being said, in the short time that Monroe was in Phoenix, he could not have been more professional. Making over $18M, he could have demanded to play or be waived immediately, but instead accepted the situation, centered around a total lack of playing time, in stride, never complaining, and always prepared to play when called upon – if only other former Suns players showed that same level of professionalism.

While I often laughed at Monroe’s absolute inability to dunk, he was a valuable offensive center who could score, at times almost at will. His defense was absolutely almost non-existent, but he was never out of position, just unable, or unwilling, to jump.

Now in Boston, Monroe has a very good shot at a ring, a result to this season that, for him, I will root for.

Grade: B+

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