Why Roy Hibbert Opting In Might Be a Good Thing

Long-time Indianapolis Star columnist and current WTHR writer Bob Kravitz wrote a column about Roy Hibbert. The general gist is that, at his best, the 7’2″ former All-Star is a hulking ball of fury who we once saw — there is video evidence — devour the New York Knicks and Miami Heat whole in back-to-back playoff series.

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But he hasn’t been his best for a while. Not since around the time of the “selfish guys” comment.

If that guy ever comes back though? Look out.

And what better to rewake the dragon then a GM daring him to leave the team for nothing, a franchise drafting his replacement, a payday to earn, and a general sense of pride to be one of the best centers in the league?

"Were you watching, Roy? Were you watching how the Indiana Pacers, who’ve done everything they can to push you out the door since season’s end, drafted your eventual successor? Have you heard all the things they’ve been saying about you, how you don’t quite fit in their newly-fangled up-tempo system, how disappointed they were in your performance last year, how you’ll have to fight for minutes this coming season?I hope Roy Hibbert is angry because when he’s angry – as opposed to despondent, which seems to be the case roughly half the time – he shows up and plays like a monster. Problem is, that doesn’t happen often enough. One night, he’ll look like the guy who dominated New York and Miami in the playoffs three years ago. Then he’ll revert to the norm, his head bowed, his answers whispered, refusing to make eye contact with anybody and everybody.I’m in the minority here: If the reports are true that Hibbert has opted in to the final year of his $15.5 million deal, that’s a good thing. Because for all his flaws – yes, I know he falls down when there’s a faint wisp of wind – Hibbert is the best center the Pacers have right now, and without him, Indiana is no shoo-in for the playoffs.Seriously, what are the Pacers options without him? Myles Turner? Great kid, very impressive in his dealings with the media Friday, but he’s 19 years old and won’t be a regular contributor for a year or two, or more. Ian Mahinmi? He’s, well, Ian Mahinmi. Lavoy Allen? Just a guy, a rotational player.I want an angry, upset Hibbert playing with a huge chip on his shoulder. I want him to play like he’s got something to prove to both the Pacers and the rest of the league. This is, after all, a contract year. There’s no way the Pacers will retain him at season’s end, assuming they don’t find a way to deal him before the season’s end (which is unlikely given his onerous contract). I want Hibbert to stop worrying about things that don’t matter and man up, play the way he’s capable of playing, rather than pouting about a lack of touches or teammates stealing his rebounds."

It’s an interesting argument.

I personally believe Roy Hibbert is too wildly inconsistent to ever keep focused for a full 82-game regular season plus playoffs. But if he ever can, then Kravitz’s belief that Hibbert opting in is a good thing might just be right.

Next: Was Myles Turner the Right Pick for Pacers?

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