Van Gundy: Pistons 'not entirely optimistic' about re-signing Monroe
Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said Monday that the team is "not entirely optimistic" about bringing back Greg Monroe for the 2015–16 season, according an Associated Pressreport.
In 2014–15, Monroe averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for Detroit. The possibility of a return still exists for the fifth-year player out of Georgetown, but Van Gundy emphasized that he is free to test the free agent market this off-season. Monroe will be an unrestricted free agent.
The NBA prohibits teams from negotiating with free agents before July 1. The only starting position the team needs to fill is small forward, Van Gundy said.
Monroe, a 6'11" power forward, started 57 games last season for Detroit. The Pistons recently traded for Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ersan Ilyasova, who could serve as a potential replacement for Monroe the report said.
Monroe was selected by the Pistons with the No. 7 pick in the 2010 NBA draft. Detroit has the No. 8 pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft this Thursday at the Barclays Center.
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