Noah was a no brainer. Look, there's a long way to go, but if we're sitting at 7 or 8 this summer... and Favors, Cousins, and Aldrich are all off the table... you don't think visions of passing big men will be dancing in his head?
I think at this point in the season, that's about where Monroe belongs. He's still probably a tick behind Ed Davis but he's in the conversation and arguably ahead of guys like Whiteside, Alabi and Udoh.
It took me a long time to come around on Monroe. I didn't like him last year, and I was skeptical of his strong start this year. But he just keeps getting better and better.
Here's the case for Monroe:
1) It helps his assist numbers, but GT's slow pace and system hold down his scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking numbers. They're all pretty solid now, but in a faster system they'd be more eye-popping. Same thing happened to Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert.
2) He's a very young sophomore. He's the same age as freshmen Cousins and Wall and a full year younger than Whiteside. He's a full year younger than fellow soph Ed Davis. This rarely gets tracked with as much pub as whether or not they're frosh, soph, or junior but its much more important. Particularly for a big man growing into his body.
3) Defensively he's not an eraser, but the block numbers are decent. The steals numbers are oustanding, which indicates he's active. Maybe he won't be a defensive anchor, but the potential is there to be a very good post and team defender in the Kurt Thomas mold.
4) Considering his age, and the improvements he's made this year he really has a sweet upside. Particularly if he measures out like a center. He's not an elite run jump athlete, but he's still at least average, and some players like that can dominate with their skill. Think of a Brad Daugherty type.
5) Virtually no downside. Ready made offensive game and NBA frame that will at least make him passable on D.