Greg Monroe not miffed by All-Star snub

In a season that's shown little signs of immediate hope, Pistons center Greg Monroe has been staking his claim as one of the most impressive big men in the NBA. 

Many felt Monroe, in his second year out of Georgetown, was a legitimate candidate to join the 2012 Eastern Conference All-Star team.  When the teams were announced, Monroe learned he didn't make the squad and a center spot was claimed by Indiana's Roy Hibbert. 

"Anybody wants to be an All-Star," said Monroe. "I'm not going to say I wouldn't have wanted to be one, but I'm perfectly fine with those guys that made it in.  All those guys that made it definitely deserved it."

Hibbert, also a product of Georgetown, got the nod in the middle along with Orlando's Dwight Howard.  

The two former Hoyas are incredibly close statistically: 
 

Points Per Game 

Monroe - 16.4
Hibbert - 13.6

Rebounds Per Game 

Monroe - 10.0
Hibbert - 9.9

Blocked Shots Per Game

Monroe - .5
Hibbert - 1.8
 

Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank said it doesn't come down to numbers, it comes down to letters - W and L. 

"It's all about winning," said Frank.  "Was Greg individually deserving of being an All-Star?  Without a doubt.  But at the same time, all coaches, we all look at achievement and when it's close, you're going to go with the guy who has a better record."  

Monroe and Hibbert have a tight connection and close friendship. 

"I'm very happy for Roy," said Monroe.  "Roy worked hard.  I saw him a lot during the summer time, worked with him, so I understand the transformation he's going through.  I saw him put in the work for it.  I'm very proud of him.  He's a pretty humble guy.  I'm pretty sure he's not taking this for granted." 

Monroe will play along with Pistons rookie Brandon Knight in the Rising Stars Challenge, the second year Monroe will take part in the All-Star Weekend event that spotlights the NBA's rookies and sophomores. 

Most in the organization feel Monroe's time as an All-Star will come soon enough. 

"When you're one of the better players on your team, your pride isn't your numbers," said Frank.  "Your pride is the left-hand column - how many wins you can bring to your team."

Through 27 games, that number for the Pistons is stuck on 7 - the main reason Monroe will be watching the All-Star Game instead of suiting up in 2012.