The Milwaukee Bucks were probably a surprise destination in the free agency market as they added Greg Monroe from the Detroit Pistons, thinking he’s going to be better with them because of his new position.
Playing as a power forward on the Pistons once Andre Drummond became a starter, Monroe suffered from an overcrowded frontline. In Milwaukee, things are expected to be different, making the three-year, $50 million deal probably of better value than his previous numbers might suggest.
Last season, Monroe averaged 16.7 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 45.7% from the field per 36 minutes when playing next to Drummond. But without the other big man for the Pistons? Monroe averaged 20.3 points and 13.4 rebounds while shooting 53.3% per 36 minutes. That’s a big difference.
And Monroe is going to enjoy that freedom and space to operate in the paint and around it with the Bucks. Milwaukee played without a center or a natural one a lot of the time, and Jabari Parker, the designated power forward, is actually a small forward, while Giannis Antetokounmpo completed the frontcourt lineup.
Obviously, not playing next to Drummond might expose Monroe to being alone in the paint and his weakness in protecting the rim, but the Bucks being a very good defensive team is supposed to help him hide that aspect of his game.