Greg Monroe is losing some ground in Milwaukee. He has not started in the Bucks' 14 games this season and he is averaging a career low in points (8.6), rebounds (6.6), and minutes per game (17.6). With the depth that the Bucks have in the center position, could he be the odd man out?
Bucks coach Jason Kidd had been going with the small-ball lineup, taking advantage of the team's youth. He sent Monroe to the bench and shuffled athletic big men Miles Plumlee and John Henson into the starting center role to pair up with Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Henson has the starting role right now and it Kidd has implied he will stay in that role at least for now.
The Bucks lack outside shooting but they make up for it with their athleticism and speed. With Khris Middleton out, their floor spacing is going to get tighter when Monroe is in the game because he doesn't possess a reliable perimeter shot. It also doesn't help that he's not blocking shots and is unable to stop opposing post-up players.
Change of scenery?
Monroe is still just 26 years old and with the right system, he could average 20 points and 10 rebounds. With the way things are looking right now, his future in Milwaukee is bleak and a change of scenery could happen soon.
Possible destinations?
Several teams could benefit from the skill set of Monroe. And if paired up with another big who can defend to cover up his defensive woes, he could become a valuable asset.
The Washington Wizards could use some offense from the power forward and center position. Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi are decent defenders down low and they can help out Monroe if ever his in trouble.
The Portland Trailblazers also in dire need of a scoring big man especially with the absence of Al-Farouq Amino. The Blazers have a deep frontcourt and they could make use of Allen Crabbe as a trade piece.
Anthony Davis could also use some help in New Orleans. Davis is a perennial superstar who can score and defend at an elite level. Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca don't do anything else aside from rebound and Terrence Jones is too unreliable on the offensive end. Monroe can take away some of the attention off of Davis on the offensive end and Monroe can benefit from defenders playing off of him when they double Davis.