Greg Monroe
Greg Monroe’s free agency has been a fascinating topic of conversation for a while now. Monroe was one of the most consistent contributors on the Bucks all season, and that role did not change in the playoffs.
Among rotation players, only Giannis scored more points per 36 minutes in the postseason. Monroe’s per game stats don’t look fantastic because he played just 23.5 minutes per game, but those per 36 minutes numbers tell the story of how important Moose was against the Raptors.
Monroe averaged 20.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals per 36 minutes in the postseason. He shot 52.9 percent from the field, which once again trailed only Giannis among Bucks rotation players.
If Monroe were a forward, there’s no doubt he’d opt out and collect a max contract for those kinds of numbers. Unfortunately for him, Moose can’t play any position but center, and not too many NBA teams are in need of a center this summer.
Still, should Monroe opt out there’s a good chance some team decides to pay him. One interesting and optimistic possibility is Monroe opting out of his deal simply to negotiate another contract with the Bucks. Monroe’s goal was to make the postseason, and although it took a season longer than expected Milwaukee brought him there.
Once Moose got to the playoffs, he used the big stage to prove he can play. Greg Monroe’s got some interesting options ahead of him, but his stock couldn’t have done anything except rise after the energy and ability he demonstrated against Toronto.