Marcus Morris on Greg Monroe: 'That's a great pickup for us'

Brad Stevens was not willing to comment on the signing of Greg Monroe on Friday night since the move was not made official just yet. However, Marcus Morris was not shy about sharing his feelings about the pending transaction in the locker room before the game against the Hawks.

"I think that's a great pickup for us," Morris said of Monroe. "Veteran player. Knows how to play the game. He's been around the league awhile so I think he'll add to our size down low, scoring ability. I think it's a great pickup."

Morris and Monroe also crossed paths in Detroit a couple years back. Morris was dealt to Detroit the same summer that Monroe signed with the Bucks as a free agent. Morris has played against Monroe for years though in the low post and has high regard for the 6-foot-11 big man. 

"He's a big body," Morris explained. "Even if he's not scoring, he's carving space for other guys to be able to drive. He's well respected around the league so that goes a long way. I think he's going to be a great piece for us going forward."

Monroe has never been known for his perimeter shooting in his career, something that Brad Stevens has looked for in his bigs throughout his time in Boston. Morris doesn't think the C's will try to force Monroe out of his comfort zone though.

"I don't think we want him shooting 3s," Morris said. "He's going to stay down low and do what he do best: rebounding and carving some space out."

Monroe isn't expected to clear waivers until Saturday, at which point the Celtics will be able to sign him. It is not clear yet whether they will sign him right away this weekend or keep his roster spot free until trade deadline day in order to maintain flexibility.