I do think that on a team that can space the floor around him Greg Monroe could be an elite offensive center. I think that with the right Serge Ibaka clone next to him, you could hide him defensively. But I don't think the Celtics are that team, and I don't think Danny Ainge thinks so either.
Haven't we shown to be in the asset accumulation phase of rebuilding now? If Monroe improves the talent level on this team and makes us better now why not acquire him, even if he isn't a perfect fit.
I personally blame his coaching and the roster around him on his defense early on. That's not to say he will become elite with good coaching, just passable. If he stays on Detroit I think Stan Van Gundy will get the best defense in Monroe's career out of him.
I think the main problem with Monroe is the price tag. Not only will he cost us assets to acquire, but he already turned down $12 mm a year from the Pistons so he wants big money.
The question is, with the assets it costs to acquire him and the future cap space it takes to sign him would it improve the team now and in the long term to make that move? (I think if we could get him for Green and Bass it's a good deal. Green and Bogans would push us into the tax which is a non starter and I'd prefer not to give up picks if he is making big money)