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NBA: 10 under the radar players to look out for in 2015-16

By Tom West

Dec 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Tyreke Evans (1) celebrates with teammate point guard Jrue Holiday (11) after hitting a shot to take the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Tyreke Evans (1) celebrates with teammate point guard Jrue Holiday (11) after hitting a shot to take the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Greg Monroe

This offseason, Greg Monroe caused quite a reaction when he chose to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks instead of the Los Angeles Lakers. A player choosing a small market over the grandeur of the Lakers is something no one in the basketball world is very used to seeing.

Even though it’s a worthwhile story that he chose the Bucks over the flash of L.A., and that he was a sought after free agent due to the Lakers’ desperation to sign a new big man, the talent that Monroe possesses isn’t always acknowledged. He may not be the best defender after players shot slightly higher than normal against him last season, yet he’s a tenacious rebounder and versatile scorer.

Plus, as a member of the Bucks, who ranked 2nd in defensive efficiency, Monroe should fit in just fine to give their offense a reliable low-post option.

Despite a slight decrease in his playing time to 31 minutes per game, Monroe is coming off his best season in the NBA after averaging career highs in rebounding (11.9) and points (18.5) per 36 minutes. He’s aggressive when attacking the basket, finds good position when moving off the ball, and is definitely capable as a go-to option in the post.

Efficiency is an issue at times, as 61.3 percent finishing inside three feet isn’t the strongest mark for a 6’11” big man. However, in Milwaukee, where he can forget about the offensive issues that Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith created in Detroit, Monroe may be able to operate even more effectively with a big role in the team’s offense.

Next: Tobias Harris

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