AUBURN HILLS — The Pistons addressed their thin frontcourt Thursday by selecting Georgetown’s Greg Monroe No. 7 overall in the NBA Draft.
Monroe is a skilled big man, who has drawn praise for his passing ability and court vision. Monroe averaged 3.8 assists a game for Georgetown last season.
The 6-foot-11, 247-pound Monroe has a solid post up game and will provide an instant boost to the Pistons offense. He averaged 16.1 points and shot 52.5 percent from the field last season. But Monroe needs to improve his jump shot and be able to knock down the mid-range jumper.
Monroe will also help Detroit on the glass. Monroe averaged 9.6 rebounds last season, including 2.2 offensive.
He can defend the interior well, but struggles when defending out on the perimeter. He averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals last season.
An interesting note, Monroe never worked out the for the Pistons.
The first three picks in the draft went as expected. John Wall went No. 1 to the Wizards, Evan Turner went No. 2 to the 76ers and Derrick Favors went No. 3 to the Nets.
The Timberwolves took Wesley Johnson No. 4, the Kings drafted DeMarcus Cousins No. 5 and the Warriors selected Ekpe Udoh No. 6.