Reflecting the chaos that COVID-19 has brought to the NBA, the league has already set a record for the most players used in one season with 541, according to an ESPN story. The man who broke the record was veteran center Greg Monroe — he signed a 10-day hardship contract with the Timberwolves on Monday after being out of the league for more than two years.
Monroe, who had been with the Capital City Go-Go in the G League, looked ready to play in his first game, posting 11 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block in 25 minutes. The Wolves even ran their offense through Monroe as they closed out a narrow win over the Celtics.
“He’s so experienced. He gives us a different look, some legit size and beef,” coach Chris Finch told Patrick Donnelly of The Associated Press. “His rebounding was great. Again, you can just throw it to him and things kind of calm down.”
The game capped off a hectic day for Monroe, who woke up at 4 a.m. in search of a flight, arrived in Minnesota seven hours later and had to pass a COVID test before he could go to the arena. He met his new teammates shortly before the game and admitted not being familiar with all of them.
“I’m not gonna lie: Jaylen Nowell played awesome tonight. I didn’t know who he was,” Monroe said. “I think he played awesome, but that was my first time seeing him. The game is the same, the people change. Tonight, it’s a young guy taking advantage of an opportunity.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- After avoiding the COVID-19 outbreak for the first two months of the season, the Trail Blazers have been hit hard this week, playing Monday without eight players and two coaches, including head coach Chauncey Billups, writes Casey Holdahl of NBA.com. “We know what we’re going through and we know it’s not going to be easy,” acting head coach Scott Brooks said after losing to Dallas. “We’ve just got to keep fighting. Chauncey has done a great job of instilling there’s no excuses around here. That’s part of developing, that’s part of growing up in this league. It’s easy to put your head down — we didn’t have this guy, we didn’t have this guys to match up with their size advantage — but we didn’t.”
- Davon Reed, who is on his second 10-day contract with the Nuggets under the hardship exemption, said playing for coach Michael Malone has been “transformative for my career,” tweets Mike Singer of The Denver Post.
- Jazz forward Joe Ingles is starting to create trade buzz, per Zach Lowe of ESPN. Rival teams believe Utah may be able to add a valuable piece for a playoff run by parting with Ingles and a first-round pick.
Monroe is a great example of how the game has changed. he has gone from a good starting big, to a bench warmer, to out of the league.
“Rival teams believe Utah may be able to add a valuable piece for a playoff run by parting with Ingles and a first-round pick.”
Joe himself is a valuable piece for the playoff run. He knows his role and can start or come off the bench. He plays positions 1-3. I’m not sure who they would trade him for that would be an upgrade unless it’s a star.
You make good points but if the Jazz don’t acquire a long wing defender they are toast in the playoffs. Guards go off on the Jazz wing defenders more often than not. It’s a tough decision for the front office for sure
I hate to say it, but I think Conley is more expendable. Let Mitchell run the show.
Glad Monroe did well. I said ore game that I think he would be a great fit at PF, with his size and experience.
They should convert his 10 day deal into a end of season deal cause even when the stars return he could still be handy off the bench helping lead that group with Pat Bev.
As for the Joe Ingles thing.
I think Joe is a really solid player but the way the Jazz are constructed they don’t need his playmaking and shooting they need a near lock down wing defender.
I’m sure plenty of teams will have interest in Joe but at the same time I can’t really see anyone parting with a ‘star’ player.
If they are interested in a trade maybe Bogi for Grant. Bogi is the better shooter but Grant is the better defender both at a similar level. Bogi’s efficiency would be a huge loss tho.
Otherwise maybe Joe Ingles for RoCo? RoCo has been abit up and down with his shooting in Portland but he’s a very good defender.
No, I’d do Bogi for Grant but I’d keep Ingles. He’s an underrated defender, great locker room guy on top of his playmaking and shooting and he’s Mitchell’s best friend on the team. RoCo is not a good 1 on 1 lockdown defender he’s an above average help defender whose age is catching up with him.
Yeah I like Ingles and I think in closing games if you have Gobert Grant Conley Mitchell and either ONeale or Ingles your going to be fine defensively