Roy Hibbert: Why He Might Opt Out and Leave Indiana

Roy Hibbert has yet to announce anything about his future. Scott Agness reported this week that Hibbert will tell the team his plans before revealing anything to the media, but with just 10 days before his deadline to decide, one has to wonder what is going through his mind.

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If he was sure to stay, why not just say so now? If he wants to be back in Indiana next year, you would think he would want the front office to know that information before the draft, which is less than a week away.

Of course, not announcing doesn’t mean a ton. He may just be enjoying his vacation and putting business matters on hold until he has to re-engage and fill out the paperwork.

Still, Andrew Perna of Ream GM offered a good break down of “Why We Shouldn’t Assume Roy Hibbert Will Opt-In” just because doing so will guarantee him $15.5 million.

"Is a fresh start and long-term money at the age of 28 worth leaving several million in guaranteed money on the table?Indications that Hibbert’s future with the Pacers was limited weren’t subtle during the season, but they have become even more obvious of late.Hibbert is spending this offseason in Los Angeles and he’s been very quiet on social media. He didn’t speak with reporters following Indiana’s season finale against Memphis, which ended the team’s playoff hopes and saw Hibbert post just seven points and four rebounds in 25 minutes.He had been a staple at the annual Caroline Symmes Memorial Celebrity Softball Challenge, alongside Robert Mathis of the Colts, but he missed the event for the first time since 2009 earlier this month. Using L.A. as a base this offseason certainly doesn’t preclude an athlete from hoping on a flight back to Indianapolis to keep up appearances. His absence wouldn’t be noteworthy if it weren’t for the other signs.Hibbert has also disbanded Area 55, a section of loyal fans at Bankers Life, for the upcoming season. An odd move for a player that was once beloved and seems to need as much support as possible from fans that have blamed the center for much that has gone wrong over the last 16 months.This all seems fishy, doesn’t it?When discussing the possibility that Hibbert might actually pass on $15.5 million and become a free agent, it’s imperative that you consider that he’s unlike the stereotypical NBA player.He’s very introspective, sensitive, intellectual and incredibly hard on himself. Among desensitized players, it has always been easy to read Hibbert’s mental state during and after a game. You could use his facial expressions as a reliable gauge to determine how he, and often the Pacers, played on any given night."

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Why Roy Hibbert Might Opt Out and Leave Indiana

By Jared Wade | Jun 19, 2015

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