Welcome Sergei Monia (title edited)

[SLAB]

im sure the ladies will like him

Thats not impressive to the ladies.

Common, where's the shirtless pics of big Vitaly?

Im sure thats what all the ladies want!

 

[Starting Five]

The kid has some style..check out the skull and crossbones .

 

[Sirius]

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/Potapenko_and_Monia_Speak-169716-58.html

Potato and Monia talked to the media, just a heads up.

 

[hoopsfan]

Hee hee...now I just need the Vlade/Speedo picture.

 

[loopymitch]

I really nbeed to quit reading this thread right after breakfast, thanks hoopsy!

 

[KingKong]

Welcome to the Kings mate. Word of advice.... try not to get too injured. In addition, Adelman's doghouse runs deep so try and figure out how to stay out of it.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

Does anyone know Monia's actual contract length, I'm reading on Realgm trade checker that it has four years left on it, but then I read in another article that he has one year remaining?

 

[Sacto=Slappo]

Right-O. Welcome to the fresh scent of Sacramento-Pine. Really though, learn what you can from Carrill.

 

[coolhandluke]

Does anyone know Monia's actual contract length, I'm reading on Realgm trade checker that it has four years left on it, but then I read in another article that he has one year remaining?

Monia has a rookie contract. The first two years ('05-'06,'06-'07) are guaranteed, the next couple of years ('07-'08,'08-'09) are team option.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

Monia has a rookie contract. The first two years ('05-'06,'06-'07) are guaranteed, the next couple of years ('07-'08,'08-'09) are team option.

Ok good, I was hoping it wasn't only a one year deal.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

I hope hes right
http://probasketball.about.com/cs/rumors/a/positionranks04_2.htm

 

[BigSong]

I hope hes right
http://probasketball.about.com/cs/rumors/a/positionranks04_2.htm

really? the guy says monya reminds of Rick Fox.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

Hey Rick wasnt that bad.... in his prime.

 

[Bibby-4-Three]

Hey Rick wasnt that bad.... in his prime.

Only two things good about Rick Fox:

1.) His attractive wife.
2.) His face getting posterized along side Christie's knuckles!!!!

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

ha that list of players isn't very impressive aside from 3 or 4 names. so heh.

 

[slugking50]

Monia's name is pronounced (Mahn-ya)

 

[Kings113]

From real gm:

I watched Monia extensively in Portland so hopefully I can give some insight on him to you guys.

First off, I'm a Knicks fan and I was fuming that we traded Penny/Ariza for Francis rather than Ratliff/Patterson/Monia, which probably could've been done with even more incentives going the Knicks way in the form of second-round picks.

I am extremely high on Monia. I think he is an absolute steal for you guys, and considering there's virtually no risk if he doesn't pan out, it was a brilliant move. Potentially, if he fully reaches his potential, I could see him being a SG/SF poor man's version of what Kirilenko is as a SF/PF. If you follow that, it's pretty good. Will he realize all that potential fully? Not likely, but I think he could. Worst case scenario for him I see him as a solid 10th man on a team. Best likely case scenario, a 4th/5th option starter in the "glue guy" role.

He's extremely versatile. He does everything well, but nothing great (though he has the potential for it in a few areas). He has a firm understanding of the game and can contribute all over the place. He's a good ball-handler for a SG/SF, a good passer for a SG/SF, and decent rebounder for SG/SF. He can contribute in all these areas when his shot isn't falling, which was a problem in Portland.

Despite him not getting into a shooting groove, he has excellent mechanics with a quick and high release and good range on his shot. I haven't seen anything in line of a mid-range game, but the potential is certainly there. He also can take it to the hole and can even post-up some. When in the NBDL, he showed his versatility by playing PF as his team was glutted with swingmen. He contributed greatly as a PF, in one game making a few clutch shots down the stretch for a win.

I know someone who follows the NBDL greatly, living in the Fort Worth area, and he attends every home game/practice of the Flyers (Monia's D-League affiliate). One bad thing about Monia is he may have a slight attitude problem. His work ethic isn't in doubt, he worked hard in all the drills and scrimmages as I am told, but he may have an inflated perception of himself. He was unhappy with not getting many minutes in Portland, thinking he was deserving of more. This could be an issue or it could not. For all anyone knows, he could've had some people whispering in his ear prior to his NBA career, telling him he's better than he is. I don't see it as that big of an issue, but it's worth mentioning. With his work ethic and intelligence, which will be clearly visible the first time he steps foot on the floor, I expect him to overcome this problem. If I had to guess, I'd say since the beginning of the season he's spoken to players like Kirilenko or Songaila (both of whom he is friends with) and gotten some good advice about waiting for his opportunity.

One thing I forgot to mention was defense. He seems to have a pretty solid fundamental understanding of it. He does well to keep in front of his man and has the basics down pat. He has an excellent build for a SG/SF. Strong frame with the potential for more weight, long arms, big hands, good instincts/reflexes. He uses them well on D. May have some trouble against smaller, quicker SGs, but I've yet to see it.

Invest some money in a translator this summer, get him speaking English, and there's nowhere to go but up from there. Props to Petrie on what I think was a tremendous move. Hoping to see him in action tonight.

Hope that insight was helpful.

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=484090&start=24

More interesting and good sounding stuff.