Former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy has officially become the president and head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
Many around the league believe that means there will be big changes in the Motor City. Most believe that means power forward Greg Monroe will be the odd man out. Monroe is a restricted free agent and may not be a great fit next to center Andre Drummond. Van Gundy liked to put shooters around Dwight Howard at that position in Orlando (See Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson). Plus, Josh Smith is a better fit at power forward than small forward and although the Pistons would like to get out of the massive contract they gave him last offseason, that will be no easy task.
However, according to Vincent Ellis of The Detroit Free Press, that may not be the case. Ellis, citing a league-source believes Van Gundy is a “big fan” of Monroe.
League source: SVG is a big fan of Greg Monroe. Called Monroe last night when deal was final. Ownership group highly fond of Monroe.
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) May 14, 2014
Of course, that doesn’t mean Monroe will remain with the team.
Not saying that Monroe won't leave. If a max offer comes it becomes dicey. But #Pistons don't want 6-10, talented big to just walk.
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) May 14, 2014
Monroe averaged 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Pistons last season.