For the last year or so, the Milwaukee Bucks have vehemently been trying to deal center Greg Monroe. According to a report from Woelfel’s Press Box, there have been “whispers” between the Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets about a possible trade for Monroe.
The possibility of this doesn’t seem too far-fetched, either. Despite losing Jeremy Lin and Courtney Lee in free agency, Charlotte went out and brought on Ramon Sessions and Marco Belinelli to fill the voids in the roster. Even with Lamb, a proper backup, signing two more guards makes it look like they don’t have too much faith in the former UConn Husky.
The 24-year-old wing was shockingly effective in limited time with the Hornets last season and was averaging 8.8 points on 45 percent shooting in almost 19 minutes a night; he added 3.8 rebounds to that line as well. Lamb put his improved all-around offense and showed he could be productive without a three-point shot and ended last year shooting just 30.9 percent from behind the arc.
Defensively he stepped up, too, and that bodes well for his value on the trade block.
With the injury to Khris Middleton, who’s going to miss almost the whole season, Lamb would seamlessly slide into what Milwaukee is trying to do. In essence, they want to get out and run. Lamb is long and lanky wing player who would have the opportunity to be the starting two in Middleton’s absence.
If this trade were to happen, Monroe would also be placed in a better situation. His season last year was on par with what he’s done in the past, so the decision to make Monroe available isn’t because of lack of production.
Monroe averaged 15.3 points and 8.8 boards a night, and he had his best shooting season since his rookie year (52.2 percent). His hindrance with Milwaukee is that he isn’t the most athletic and he’s only a decent rim protector at best. With the lineup that Milwaukee wants to run, one full of length and athleticism, Monroe is the odd man out.
The move to Charlotte would allow Monroe to develop as a defender while he fills in the void left by Al Jefferson. Although he doesn’t put up glaring numbers, he’s a respectable post player with solid footwork and a variety of moves on the low block.
Spencer Hawes would be another piece that Charlotte throws in to sweeten the deal, and Milwaukee would be getting a seven-footer who can shoot, rebound, and is a good passer and decision-maker.
Data courtesy of Basketball-Reference
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