Van Gundy sounds like a guy who likes Greg Monroe, contrary to speculation
When Stan Van Gundy was hired earlier in the week to be the coach and president of the Detroit Pistons, speculation immediately began that his first act could be finding a sign-and-trade partner to jettison center Greg Monroe for some help on the wing.
It makes sense, as outlined in the post below, because a Monroe-Andre Drummond pairing doesn't exactly fit when you consider that Josh Smith is also around and better-suited for the power forward position next to just one of them.
However, at his introductory press conference on Thursday, Van Gundy sounded like a man who believes a great deal in Monroe. He also revealed that he's also spoke with Monroe's agent already
"When you've got good big guys, I'm not sure there's a better group of three bigs anywhere in the Eastern Conference" - Van Gundy
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 15, 2014
SVG on Monroe: "I had a lengthy talk with David Falk. I want them to know I value him highly."
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) May 15, 2014
Van Gundy says "There's talent here" and references @AndreDrummondd and @M10OSE as talented big men. #Pistons
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 15, 2014
Now, this could always be posturing - Van Gundy has every incentive to increase Monroe's perceived value and, in the event they can get him at a reasonable price, develop a relationship with the player.
Still, it's now less clear that Monroe is destined to trade in his Motor City alternate for another team's jersey. He's a restricted free agent this summer and thus holds some of the cards, but Van Gundy and the Pistons will have the final say.