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Greg Monroe signs with the Philadelphia 76ers, what does that mean for Boston Celtics open roster spot?

By Michael James

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 26: Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 26, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 26: Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 26, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics decided not to sign Greg Monroe for the rest of the season and he is now on an East rival. What does that mean for the Celtics’ open roster spot?

After trading Jabari Bird at the trade deadline, the Boston Celtics opened a roster spot for the remainder of this season that they temporarily filled with Greg Monroe. Monroe signed a 10-day contract and appeared in less than five minutes of game action for the Celtics.

At the end of the first 10-day contract, the Celtics let Monroe walk, and he has now signed another 10-day deal with the Sixers. The last roster spot is open again, and the Celtics are still expected to fill it before the regular season ends.

Our own Adam Kemp broke down a few big-man options to bring in after Aron Baynes injured his ankle, and the name that sticks out at this point is Thomas Robinson. The Maine Red Claws brought him on around the same time the Celtics signed Monroe, which was about the time where Baynes, Al Horford and Robert Williams were dealing with injuries.

In four games with the Red Claws, Robinson is averaging 19 points and 13.5 rebounds on 61.2 percent shooting. It seems to me the Celtics signed a familiar face in Monroe to soften the loss of Baynes and Williams, but when Baynes returned earlier than expected, Monroe’s role wasn’t necessary anymore. Robinson presents athleticism on the boards and defensive depth for the playoffs, but the Celtics might have just needed an extended look at him in the G-League.

Next. Is Al Horford the most important player in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. dark

Robinson won’t play a large role in a playoff run, nor would any addition this late in the season, but given the health issues all the Celtics’ bigs have experienced this year, it’s worth having a versatile player like Robinson on the bench just in case.

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