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In eight seasons, Monroe has yet to attempt a three. Don’t expect that to change.

“We all know what everybody is reacting to and it is what it is,” Monroe said of the recent three’s-over-everything push. “If a team dethrones the Warriors with a big everyone is going to go out and get a big. I mean you saw what they (the Warriors) did this summer (signing DeMarcus Cousins). They added a centre. You need bigs. JaVale (McGee) was still playing in Golden State (Zaza Pachulia too). You still have great centres in this league – Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, Marc Gasol. You still have guys who are productive that play so I’m not worried about it. The only thing I can control is what happens inside the lines and that is what I am focussing on.”

The very thought of basketball going all small is just ridiculous to Monroe. The role of the big man in the game isn’t going anywhere in his opinion.

“It’s basketball. The one sport where being tall is cool and they are trying to wash it out,” Monroe said. “ It will come back around. Guys are adapting.”

Monroe personally is looking for a chance and some stability after a year in which he was moved from Milwaukee to Phoenix and then on to Boston. He had no control over that movement but it clearly took its toll.

“Last year a lot of things were out of my control,” he said.

“This year I am just looking for a chance. It’s like I just want a chance to play again. I know I can. People, when they don’t see you for a while they think you have forgotten everything you have ever done. I have been in the league nine years. I have been productive. It’s just about having an opportunity to play consistently and show that I still belong in this league.”