Pistons News: Despite Distractions, Greg Monroe Separating Himself Early On

The Detroit Pistons are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to big man Greg Monroe's impending free agency next July.

However, as Vincent Goodwill Jr. of the Detroit News puts it, "while Monroe's likely exit this offseason leaves a bad taste in fans' mouths, it doesn't take away from his professional approach and outstanding production."

Monroe has established himself as a post presence while Andre Drummond and Josh Smith struggle in the paint. He was shooting 54 percent from the field and 85 percent from the line in advance of Sunday's game with the Pistons, providing a reliable scoring touch while the team's jump shooters remain cold.

According to Goodwill Jr., "it's obvious he's the odd man out if Van Gundy wants a conventional starting lineup, and there's an argument to Smith and Drummond being a better fit together. But no one can deny Monroe has done thus far what he's always done: play consistently, with effectiveness and effort, and play within himself."

Regardless of what next summer might bring, Monroe is putting all of himself into his craft with the Pistons this year.

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