But the number that probably has affected (Greg) Monroe’s recent play is 3.7 — the increase in his minutes per game over last season.

And when you factor in the lockout-induced compressed schedule that has three games remaining with the Pistons playing those games on consecutive nights, it’s a safe bet that the 21-year-old who is still getting accustomed to the rigors of the NBA is feeling a little fatigued.

Monroe admitted Saturday that he is wearing down a little, but stopped well short of using that as an excuse.

“It’s something in the league that everybody is going through,” Monroe said after a brief workout at the practice facility. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the leader in minutes in the league. There are a lot guys who have played a lot more minutes than me who are on teams that aren’t even done with the season. They aren’t close to being finished and they’re going to the playoffs, so it’s not anything I’m worried about or complaining about.

“But my body is feeling it. That’s normal.”

via Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press