Indiana Pacers’ center Roy Hibbert may have been the biggest reason the Indiana Pacers pushed the Miami Heat to seven games in the 2013 Eastern Conference. Hibbert, who disappeared in the 2014 playoffs, may also be the biggest reason they didn’t do the same last season.
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According to Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders, Hibbert has to have more confidence and be better next season.
"At his best, Roy Hibbert is easily one of the most gifted defensive players in the entire league. At 7’2”, he’s taller than everybody in the league not named “Hasheem” or “Sim,” which means he’s got the height and length to be as physically imposing as anybody, and he’s proven that many times in the past by stifling even the league’s biggest stars around the rim. Of course, as is always the case with Hibbert, his play on the court is directly related to his confidence level. When he’s good, he’s really good, but when he loses himself, he’s just another guy. Particularly with George out, though, he’s far and away the best defensive presence the Pacers have, though he’ll have to improve on the 1.4 BPG he averaged last postseason."
Improving on his blocks per game would obviously help, but the Pacers need help everywhere with forward Paul George out for the season and guard Lance Stephenson now with the Charlotte Hornets. Hibbert will have to be a much better scorer and rebounder, which also would obviously help him start rebuilding his value.
Hibbert averaged 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free throw line last season. Over his career, he’s put up 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 4.7% from the floor, 30.0% from three and 73.7% from the charity stripe.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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