Monroe caught off guard by news he may move to Bucks' bench
The Milwaukee Bucks' lowly 33-49 record in 2015-16, paired with the loss of shooting guard Khris Middleton to a torn left hamstring, has head coach Jason Kidd thinking outside the box for potential changes in his rotation.
One casualty of these adjustments could be forward Greg Monroe, who signed a three-year, $50-million max contract last summer.
Kidd told reporters during Bucks Media Day on Monday that he will be experimenting with his lineups during training camp, and that he'd be open to having Monroe and former Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams headline the second unit.
Monroe was unaware he could be losing his starting gig.
"That's news to me, but it's not the first time," Monroe said. "Like I always say, it's about once I'm on the court and that's all I focus on. If you have questions about the rotation you're going to have to ask (Kidd). When my number is called I just try to be ready."
The six-year pro has only come off the pine 56 times in 457 games, including 12 in his first year with the Bucks. Milwaukee went an even 6-6 during those outings, which isn't enough of an indication as to whether that formula will work.
Miles Plumlee would instead get the start at the five-spot, which would help Milwaukee defend the paint, as the team allowed 2.6 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. The Bucks gave up 4.3 more points in that department with Monroe.
In 29.3 minutes per game, Monroe contributed 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds on 52.2 percent shooting last season.