Stan Van Gundy: Pistons ‘know exactly where we’re headed with’ Greg Monroe
When former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy was named head coach and president of the Detroit Pistons, many began to question the future of big man Greg Monroe.
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Monroe is set to become a restricted free agent and many believe Van Gundy would prefer to place a power forward who can knock down three-pointers and stretch the floor next to center Andre Drummond, much like he did in Orlando with Ryan Anderson and Rashard Lewis flanking Dwight Howard in Orlando.
However, since he got the job, Van Gundy has continued to heap praise on Monroe, even calling him one of the best big men in the game.
Van Gundy, via Keith Langlois of Pistons.com, believes Monroe is a key part of the team’s core, has spent over half his time on Monroe’s future and knows “exactly” where the team is headed with Monroe.
SVG lists 7 as part of core: Drummond, Smith, Monroe, Jennings, KCP, Singler and Jerebko ..
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) June 24, 2014
SVG says even with time spent on FA & draft, well more than 50% of his time has been devoted to Greg Monroe's situation.
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) June 24, 2014
SVG on Monroe: "We know exactly where we're headed on that."
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) June 24, 2014
SVG says #Pistons won't make a trade involving Monroe just to make a trade. If one's made, only because they value players in return.
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) June 24, 2014
Monroe put up 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 65.7% from the free throw line last season.