10-Year NBA Veteran Retires From Playing Basketball

Former NBA player Greg Monroe has joined the New Orleans Pelicans staff.

Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) talks to referee John Goble (30) during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images / Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

Greg Monroe most recently played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season.

That year, Monroe spent time with the Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz.

He averaged 5.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while shooting 56.1% from the field in 14 games.

Feb 10, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and Greg Monroe (15) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 34-year-old spent last season playing in China.

However, he has now retired and joined the New Orleans Pelicans staff (h/t Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype).

Via Pelicans.com: "The Pelicans have added Dan Geriot and Jodie Meeks as assistant coaches, and Greg Monroe as a player development assistant to Willie Green’s staff."

Pelicans announce basketball operations promotions and staff additions https://t.co/X93JxLOfOp

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 26, 2024

Monroe was the seventh pick in the 2010 NBA Draft out of Georgetown.

His best years came with the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.

During the 2013 season, Monroe averaged 16.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 48.6% from the field in 81 games for Detroit.

Dec 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) high fives forward Greg Monroe (10) during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images / Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Monroe spent ten seasons in the NBA with the Pistons, Bucks, Raptors, Celtics, Suns, Timberwolves, 76ers, Jazz and Wizards.

His career averages were 13.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 51.4% from the field in 646 games.

He also appeared in 29 NBA playoff games (one start) with the Bucks, 76ers, Celtics and Timberwolves.

ICMYI: Local legend Greg Monroe joined the #Pelicans coaching staff in a player development role per @cclark_13!

It’s always great to get some veteran experience from a former player on the staff especially with a team of young bigs.

What do you think of the pick up? pic.twitter.com/SI1OQcSwmS

— The Kneaux (@beinthekneaux) September 25, 2024

The Pelicans are coming off a season where they were the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record.

They got swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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