Early Top 5 Potential Utah Jazz Free Agent Targets: Centers

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Mar 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington (2) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons

What would a top five list on a blog maintained by “fake media” be without a crazy, outside-the-box suggestion not likely to ever happen? For me, this comes in the form of my top candidate to complete our big man triumvirate, Pistons center Greg Monroe.

Odds dictate that some desperate franchise will offer Monroe a huge contract in the hopes that he can become their anchor down low. Think the Charlotte Hornets and Big Al. Nonetheless, Monroe’s offensive skill set and rebounding could make him the best third big in the league if he were willing to accept such a role.

As Stan Van Gundy experimented with different lineups in Detroit, Monroe found himself coming off the bench for an extended period of time and took the move in stride:

"“At the end of the day, the only difference will be some players on the court might be already warmed up. It’s no difference coming in the first six minutes or coming in the second six minutes. You have to work yourself into the game.”"

The beleaguered center has had a turbulent career with the Pistons, but has always shown a propensity to score and rebound. In Detroit’s last five games, he’s averaging 19 points and over 10 boards per outing.

Ultimately, he will probably be looking for more money than the Jazz would be willing to offer and a starting role. It’s a different name affixed to the old Enes Kanter scenario. Still, he could be a key component for a Jazz team fighting for playoff position should he be willing to accept the role.

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