Reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks signing Greg Monroe to a 10-day deal

While it was not through trade, the Milwaukee Bucks finally added some much-needed size to the interior early Saturday morning. As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Bucks have signed veteran big man Greg Monroe to a 10-day contract.

Of course, fans are quite familiar with Monroe as he played with the Bucks for just over two years between 2015-17. Perhaps that familiarity was part of the reason why Monroe chose to sign with the Bucks rather than other teams that called, as Scotto added that the big man had offers from a handful of other franchises.

Reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks signing veteran center Greg Monroe

In any way, shape, or form, the Bucks quickly needed to add some size at the center position. With starting center Brook Lopez sidelined for most of the season, the team has had their fair share of issues at the position in his absence. Bobby Portis has done an outstanding job of filling in as the full-time starter, but the Bucks have had little to no help off the bench since they foolishly waived big man DeMarcus Cousins last month.

Monroe is far removed from his days of nearly averaging a double-double, but he will help simply by being a 6-foot-11 center that can give Milwaukee quality minutes. Teams have exploited the Bucks due to their lack of a backup center over the past month, punishing them in the post and dominating the glass at times. Monroe will provide some immediate help in that regard, as his hulking stature will allow him to haul in boards and be a presence in the paint to protect the hoop.

What some may not realize is that Monroe is still just 31-years-old. After sitting out the last two NBA seasons, the veteran made his comeback and averaged 5.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a blocked shot in 16.2 minutes per contest in five games with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards. Numbers like that do not jump off the page, but anything could help the Bucks as they look to navigate through these center issues.

While Monroe is not the target that many Bucks fans may have had in mind, he could be passable for the time being. With the 2022 NBA trade deadline less than one week away, the Bucks have been connected to several centers such as Daniel Theis and Jalen Smith in trade rumors, and a deal could potentially be on the horizon. Whether or not the Bucks add another center at the trade deadline, Monroe is likely not the long-term solution for Milwaukee. After all, the Bucks have been optimistic that Lopez will return to action at some point this season following his back procedure in early December.

All in all, this is an incredibly low-risk move for the defending champions over the next 10 days and possibly more, depending on how this first stint goes. The Bucks desperately needed to add some size to the roster, and now they have it for the time being. Who knows, perhaps there will be a new center on Milwaukee’s roster by this time next week.

For now, welcome back to Milwaukee, Greg!

Stay tuned for any new updates surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks with the trade and buyout markets heating up.