According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz signed center Greg Monroe to a 10-day contract Sunday.
Monroe, the nine-year NBA veteran, was once the seventh overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. He averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game in his fifth season with the team, but fell out of the NBA by 2019 due to a lack of defensive impact.
The 31-year-old center stayed in the game, and has resurrected his NBA career in the 2021-22 season, playing for Minnesota, Washington, and Milwaukee this year. He brings 6-11 size, rebounding and offensive touch to the court.
Monroe’s 10-day contract with the Bucks expired on Feb. 15, before the league’s NBA waiver eligibility deadline — which means that the Jazz could sign him for longer deal that includes the playoffs if necessary. That roster spot, though, seems more likely to go to guard Trent Forrest, who has been in the Jazz’s rotation most of the year. Two-way contract players like Forrest aren’t eligible for the playoffs unless they sign a standard deal before the end of the season.
The Monroe signing could be an indication that Hassan Whiteside’s injury is expected to keep him out for some time. Whiteside was ruled out of the Jazz’s game against Dallas due to a right foot sprain, and missed the Jazz’s game against Charlotte on Friday with the same injury. He plans on flying to Salt Lake City for more imaging after tonight’s game to diagnose the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, third-string center Udoka Azubuike underwent foot and ankle surgery last week, and will miss the rest of the regular season and playoffs.
Monroe is currently slated to join the Jazz in Los Angeles for the final game of the team’s 6-game road trip.
