Greg Monroe does not have the explosiveness of the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, nor the size and power of the Sacramento Kings' DeMarcus Cousins, but he's been as effective as any rookie post player since the All-Star break.

Monroe, a 6-foot-11 power forward/center from Georgetown, has been the Pistons' most consistent player during the past month, averaging 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field over the last 14 games. He's squashed all fears that extended minutes would wear him down.

"There were some moments during the season where I said, 'Are you all right?' He hit the wall a little bit but he understands he has to bring that energy (every night) because of the type of player he is," head coach John Kuester said. "He's not one of these guys that plays way above the rim. He's someone that is crafty and uses his quickness but he will surprise you in his ability to get up. He takes care of himself and works hard and that hard work is paying off."

During the first half of the season, Monroe had trouble getting his shot off in the low block. He's gotten better at using ball and head fakes to get his defender off-balance. He's also finding seams in the defense and ducking to the basket when his defender helps off him.

He came into the league with the reputation of being a superior passer out of the post and he's increasingly displayed those skills, collecting a pair of five-assist performances in his last six games.

A signature post move and an improved mid-range shot would further expand his offensive repertoire.

"His IQ is outstanding but his ability to continually score in the low post (requires) a go-to move consistently," said Kuester, whose team faces Cleveland on the road Friday. "To me, he also has to knock down that 15- to 17-foot shot where he's a pick-and-pop person at times."

Monroe's post defense also has to improve, as does his strength. He's already pleasantly surprised the staff with his knack for forcing turnovers -- he leads the team with 76 steals. Kuester credits Ben Wallace with teaching Monroe when to get his hands in the passing lanes.

There are even times when Monroe teaches his coach. He convinced Kuester to calm down in Atlanta Sunday after Chris Wilcox was called for a technical foul.

"He said, 'Let it go,' Kuester said. "I said, 'OK, I will,' because I thought it was a bad call. He shows great poise on the floor. He's showing a level of maturity that is way above his years."

HEAT 100, PISTONS 94: The Pistons shot 59.6 percent through the first three quarters, then were held to 4-of-19 shooting the rest of the way Wednesday. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh combined for 66 points while Detroit's bench managed just 23 points, 16 below its average.

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