The Milwaukee Bucks have gone from a 15-win season to a 41-win competitive squad to an elite contender in the matter of one calendar year. The new ownership and addition of head coach Jason Kidd was only the beginning of an epic story that could span years. Milwaukee, a basketball town that has been mostly forgotten and ignored by free agents, has just signed top-tier free agent Greg Monroe to a maximum contract.

Free agent Greg Monroe will sign a maximum contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, league source tells Yahoo Sports.

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— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2015

Why is this exciting? Why should fans rejoice?

Monroe is the major piece to the puzzle that could make the Bucks elite contenders in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee already has key assets in place to become an incredibly talented team. Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Henson, and Jabari Parker have the potential to do some serious damage in the conference. The addition of a player of Monroe’s caliber would make them that much more threatening.

Monroe, who has played power forward for the Detroit Pistons, will most likely start at center for the Bucks. With explosive players all over the court, Milwaukee has lacked an elite rebounder and interior scorer. The good news is that is exactly what Monroe brings to the table. Whether it is facing opponents or his back against the basket, he is an unstoppable machine who will give Milwaukee’s perimeter shooters an advantage to take over games.

The 25-year-old has averaged a double-double in each of the past four seasons. The obvious flaw may be his inability to protect the rim, something the Bucks could certainly use. However, the fact that his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses is reason enough to be optimistic about the possibilities that could unfold in the ensuing years.

With Milwaukee being one of the top defenses in the league last season combined with an upcoming offensive attack, the Bucks are clearly a team to watch in 2015-16 and beyond.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.