NBA: Player Rankings – Week 9

19. Roy Hibbert (C, Indiana Pacers) 

Dec 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) grabs a rebound against Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Brooklyn 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Roy Hibbert is the unsung hero of a Pacers team that has a serious chance of finally capturing that ever sought-after championship. As the leader in the Defensive Player of the Year race, Roy Hibbert has been menacing on the defensive side of the floor as well as contributing offensively as the Pacers stand as the best team in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24-5. Hibbert has been the defensive anchor while averaging 2.7 blocks per game which ranks second in the league. Hibbert’s contribution to the Pacers goes far beyond the stat sheet. He averages a meager 12.3 and 8.5 rebounds per game on just under 48 percent shooting, which are not great numbers for a center. Hibbert’s 7’2” frame stands as the main opposition for anyone who enters the lane. As the Pacers have quickly become the favorites to dethrone the Heat and take the Eastern Conference, Roy Hibbert is at the center of the defensive unit that gives up the least amount of point per game of any team in the league.