Milwaukee Bucks 2016-17 season review: Greg Monroe

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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

After a season full of doubt, Greg Monroe peaked at just the right time for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017.

Greg Monroe’s first two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks have been tumultuous to say the least.

The 6’11” Georgetown big man was a coveted free agent during the 2015 offseason. At the time, his acquisition by the Bucks was perceived as a victory for small markets.

Things didn’t go completely to plan, though. Moose, as he’s known by fans and media alike, posted a solid, if unspectacular line in his debut season, but the team regressed overall.

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Defense was the main culprit. The team slid to 22nd in the league in defensive efficiency, down from a second place finish the year before. Monroe had a reputation as a lackluster defender, so it was easy to pin the slippage on his broad shoulders.

A summer of trade rumors brought about a renewed commitment to conditioning and skill work. Monroe entered training camp looking slim and focused, but still got moved to the bench (news broken to him by the media during training camp).

The 26-year-old center looked more explosive across the court, particularly on the defensive end. However, a logjam at the five spot, along with some questionable rotation decisions from coach Jason Kidd, frustrated Monroe and the fans over the first few months of the campaign.

Monroe’s minutes finally stabilized in January-Febuary. With John Henson plagued by injury, and the Bucks having traded Miles Plumlee, Monroe and rookie Thon Maker became essential frontcourt cogs in the Bucks improbable march back into playoff contention.

Lets have a closer look at Monroe’s season. How much of his improvement can be built upon going into 2017-18?

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