Play.
Greg Monroe crashes the boards.
Greg Monroe hustles for the offensive rebound and cuts into the Celtics' lead. (0:17)
1:04 AM
Greg Monroe became the NBA's 541st player used this season when he checked in off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.
Monroe had 11 points and nine rebound in 25 minutes for the Wolves, who snapped a two-game losing streak. His return to an NBA roster was his first in over a year.
The Pistons' No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft played for six NBA teams over the next 10 seasons. He signed with the G League's Capital City Go-Go after spending time in Germany and Russia and played 12 games before the Wolves came calling.
The life of a basketball journeyman was typified by his odyssey on Monday.
I woke up at 4 a.m. Monroe said the first flight was canceled. I left D.C. around 7 a.m. and arrived in Chicago around 11 a.m., and then went to the gym to rest.
After meeting with the Wolves and shaking hands, Monroe wasn't sure what his role would be against the Celtics, but he was prepared for anything.
Monroe said that Finch put him in positions where he was comfortable even though he didn't have any time with him. "I was just doing things I've been doing all season with the Go-Go, so that made it easy for me.''
As the Wolves were closing out the game, they began to run their offense through Monroe in the high post.
He's experienced. He gives us a different look and size. His rebound was very good. You can throw it to him and things will calm down.
The experience has left Monroe little time to process what he has been through.
Monroe said that it had been a "whirlwind". In this league, you don't have much time to digest anything, so I was focused on being ready when my number was called. The Knicks are playing well and we have another game tomorrow. I'm focused on that right now.
He learned his teammates' names.
Jaylen Nowell played great tonight. Monroe admitted that he didn't know who he was. I think he played well, but I have never seen him before. The game is the same. It's a young guy taking advantage of an opportunity.
The Associated Press contributed to the report.
