Greg Monroe benched versus Grizzlies. What does this mean for his future with Celtics?

In Monday night's 109-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Greg Monroe was the only Boston Celtic to not receive a minute of floor time.

This is surprising for a few reasons. First off, Monroe was just signed to the team a few weeks ago, and was pinned as their 'big-time' addition at the league's trade deadline. Secondly, his skillset fills a hole that the Cs have been lacking in all season: offense under the basket. He rebounds well and will compliment Al Horford's passing game with some dime dropping of his own. Lastly, the guy can still play! He averaged 11.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in twenty games for the Phoenix Suns, and at this moment, would be a starting center for multiple other teams in the NBA.
Before Monday, Monroe had played in every game since he put on a green jersey. In those games, six of them to be exact, he's averaged 5.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13.7 minutes of action. Those numbers aren't breath-taking, but they aren't too shabby either. After all, he's entering a new system with new teammates, and it will take some time for him to find his true role on the squad.

Although he hasn't been the sturdiest defender, and was abused at times by the New York Knicks last week, he's held his own, and is playing the game that he's always played. The Celtics are getting exactly what signed up for.

So what the heck is happening!? Has Monroe already played himself out of the Celtics' lineup?According to Brad Stevens, that isn't the case.


Things were just going so well in the Grizzly's game, that Brad couldn't switch it up.

 Daniel Theis was thriving with the second unit, and posted 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block in 24 minutes of action on the night. So, the benching had nothing to do with Monroe's play, and instead was based upon everyone else's performance, in a game where the Celtics had a double-digit lead for the majority of the time.

I think Brad will make up for Moose's Monday lack of minutes in tonight's game versus the Charlotte Hornets. They're a large team, who regularly just stick Dwight Howard under the basket so that he can accumulate boards and points in the paint. On the year, Dwight is averaging 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds on 54.3% shooting. Hopefully Monroe's presence will lessen those rebounding numbers, at the least.

Also to consider is Daniel Theis, who has officially been ruled out for tonight's game. Monroe should take the majority of those minutes. I'd wager that Moose plays at least 15 minutes in tonight's match, and finds himself in the Cs' lineup for the remainder of the season.

Follow Sean Waukewan

Photo: Celtics

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