Does Monroe become a starter this year?

[wdleehi]

I left the poll answers basic so posters can leave their opinion why here.

[Monkhouse]

I think in certain matchups, Monroe may start. I think he's a natural 5 at this point, and him and Horford gives us plenty of flexibilities considering they are both above average passers for their positions. Allows Horford to slide at the 4, where he's at his best, and allows us to boost our rebounding numbers.

If we're going small ball, I don't really see Monroe in the lineup. But I've been a huge fan of Moose, so I suspect he'll do allright. I'm leaning towards no. I assume Ainge explained the implications with signing with us, and that minutes/role may not always be guaranteed. Being that Moose desperately wants to win, I also am 100% positive that he's okay with any outcome as long as the lines of communication is kept open.

[liam]

I think he's a good pairing next to Horford. The way our players get banged up, I'm sure he'll start at some point during the rest of the year, if not the whole rest of the year.

[fairweatherfan]

I think he'll start some, but we'll also do Horford-Baynes sometimes and Tatum-Horford others.  I think he'll mainly play with our bench units where we struggle to score.

[hodgy03038]

I think he is definitely capable of starting but I believe they will keep Baynes starting and bring Greg in late in 1st Q and into the 2nd. So he will play with starters a lot but will bridge the gap on the bench. Of course with Brad nothing is in cement and if he needs him to start sometimes then he will. I love the flexibility and I am very happy about this pickup.

[gouki88]

I believe in games where Baynes started, Monroe very well should. He’s a way better scorer, better passer and on the same tier of rebounder. Him and Horford should be a nightmare to guard.

Horford will start alone when we go small ball

[wdleehi]

I think Baynes will continue to start with Monroe playing more minutes them him coming off the bench. 



I think Baynes defense with the starters and Monroe coming off the bench as a offensive weapon helps this team more.   

[celticinorlando]

Yes. He is better than Baynes. Can finish and boards like a monster

[saltlover]

I don’t think so.  I bet he plays more minutes than Baynes, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they put him in the starting lineup for a game or two to give it a look, but I think he’s someone who will primarily start on the bench to provide offense to the second unit.  His will a) lessen the overall burden on Horford, and b) keep Horford and Irving on the court together a bit more.

[liam]

Monroe can finish at the rim much better than Baynes can. Baynes is the one opposing defenses play off of. They can't do that if Moose is in the game.

[gouki88]

I don’t think so.  I bet he plays more minutes than Baynes, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they put him in the starting lineup for a game or two to give it a look, but I think he’s someone who will primarily start on the bench to provide offense to the second unit.  His will a) lessen the overall burden on Horford, and b) keep Horford and Irving on the court together a bit more.

TP, didn’t think of that aspect. Changed my mind

[Big333223]

I voted yes because I imagine he will start a few times, particularly against certain matchups or if Horford misses any time. But generally, he probably won't start. Defensively, I don't particularly like the Horford/Monroe pairing. They're going to be pretty slow and Monroe, as I understand it, isn't a guy who can switch onto wings that well. I imagine we'll see them separate a lot, and Monroe being utilized as a facilitator (Al's role) more than he has in the past.

[footey]

Of course he will, whether to replace Baynes or if Al needs rest.  Which he will.

[GreenEnvy]

I think he will definitely get starts due to matchups/rest but I would like him off the bench. Baynes works well with the starters.

As of right now, a backup unit of Rozier/Smart/Morris/Theis/Monroe is pretty nice.

If we can add another scoring guard (you know who), we could have the best bench in the league.

[greece66]

He might start a few games, but he will be primarily a bench player. He will help with the scoring problem of the second unit.