Indiana Pacers: Which Roy Hibbert Comes To Play In 2013-14?
By Shane Young
In the 2013-14 season, the Indiana Pacers were able to make a ton of noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs, most of which can be credited to the play of center Roy Hibbert. Having a mediocre regular season, averaging 11.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in the midst of the team playing without Danny Granger, Hibbert saved his damage for the postseason. During the Pacers’ run against the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, he proved that he is arguably the best center in the conference by overwhelming the opposing frontcourts with his improved left-handed post moves. Will Hibbert’s numbers, as well as overall impact, be greater in 2013-14?
After a stellar playoff performance, Hibbert will look to showcase his hard work from this offseason. Photo: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
When you consider the past couple seasons for the 7’3″ center, you begin to wonder what exactly happened. The 2011-12 campaign was the best in his five-year career thus far, averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while making his first NBA All-Star appearance. Hibbert was the only All-Star the Pacers had that season, much similar to Paul George‘s standout season we just witnessed.
Jumping forward to Hibbert’s recent regular season production, he did take a bit of a step back. Only shooting 44.8 percent from the floor is something that the true elite centers in the league typically aren’t known for. It’s not even the fact that Hibbert isn’t a good shooter; because his 72.9 free throw percentage is more than acceptable for a center. However, in terms of being able to score with his back to his basket and being a reliable asset to feed the ball to in the paint, Hibbert may not have developed just yet.
Hibbert controls the paint as well as anyone in the NBA. Photo Credit: IsoSports, Flickr.com
There are firm believers that Danny Granger’s absence ultimately let Paul George become his own superstar talent. But, with Hibbert, not having Granger’s offense seemed to put a bit more pressure on the paint production. Hibbert and David West handled the situation accordingly and definitely picked up the slack on both ends of the floor. The amount of comfort that Hibbert seemed to feel during that experience last season just wasn’t as high as it could have been.
Returning the former All-Star Granger this season from his knee injury, Indiana should expect tremendous results from each position on the court. Hibbert made a name for himself in last year’s playoffs and will now have a full season of being the true second option on the court behind Paul George. With his height and the amount of work he has put into learning more ways to score with his left hand, Hibbert will not be expected to have average stats for a starting center any longer.
With the improved bench depth around him and now having a chance to play with yet another underrated and aggressive talent in Luis Scola, Hibbert’s offensive firepower in the paint will only continue to grow. Thinking of the years to come for the 26-year-old statue, it’s not hard to foresee Hibbert’s name belonging in the same category as Dwight Howard.