I have a lot of theories, one I particularly feel good about is my theory on locations and how it doesn’t mean jack anymore. The famous advantage for the Lakers, Knicks and other big market teams is that they’re big. “We’re the Knicks, we play in the most famous arena in the world, why would you not come play for us?!”
Because your team is grade A garbage at the moment. Players don’t care about location, they care about the team and who will give them the best chance of succeed (or whoever lashes the most money.) Greg Monroe could’ve easily signed with the Knicks or Lakers, but no, he ditched them early and ended up picking between Portland and Milwaukee of all places.
Having narrowed his choices down to the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks – all offering maximum contracts ranging from one to four years – Monroe determined that the allure of playing in a bigger market was furthest from his mind. His decision actually came down to two of the league’s smaller markers, with Milwaukee winning out over Portland.
Monroe joked that he’s a basketball player, not a real estate agent. Endorsement opportunities, more renown and an attractive nightlight paled in comparison to what he sought most: After compiling a career winning percentage (36.2) that ranks seventh-worst among active players with at least 350 games in the league, Monroe wanted the team closest to immediately competing for the postseason.
This is a perfect example of a player that wants to win, not to be marketable. Moose isn’t charismatic, he just wants to ball and grab some W’s, Milwaukee was the best place for him and he knew it.
