Sixers

Sixers Bringing in (Sleeper Agent?) Greg Monroe, Waiving Justin Patton

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Apr 3rd, 2019 · 2:37 PM EDT

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We interrupt our regularly scheduled Phillies programming to deliver a bit of 76ers news.

The Sixers will sign veteran center Greg Monroe and waive Justin Patton, with both moves becoming official sometime tomorrow. Monroe is expected to be available for the Milwaukee game.

Sources tell Crossing Broad this is a depth move and does not suggest anything regarding the health of Joel Embiid. Embiid is being given a break as we head towards the playoffs and will not play tonight in Atlanta. We’ll get a Joel update ahead of Thursday’s game.

The 28 year old Monroe played 38 games for Toronto this season before he was traded to the Nets and waived. He signed a 10-day contract with Boston, which did not lead to a second 10-day stint.

In 40 total games this season, he’s averaged 4.7 points and 4 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per. Monroe was a Celtic last season and has appeared in 17 career playoff games.

As for Patton, the 21 year old made three brief Sixer appearances this year while spending the majority of his time with Delaware. He came over in the Jimmy Butler trade carrying a foot injury and was able to get back on the floor three months later, in February.

Monroe’s acquisition doesn’t seem like much on the surface, but it bolsters a front court that has question marks beyond Embiid. Boban Marjanovic is a defensive liability while Jonah Bolden is a foul-prone rookie. Amir Johnson is at the tail-end of his career.

There’s also this:

Greg Monroe has played a total of 66 games in the past two seasons for either Toronto or Boston. Can provide valuable insight into terminology and scheme. Potentially more valuable than any on court contribution.

— Jason Blevins (@Json_Blevins) April 3, 2019

Perhaps we’ll see sleeper agent Greg Monroe on the floor tomorrow night in South Philly.

I believe Jordan Schultz was first to report.