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Roy Hibbert: It’s just time to move on

By Ben Gibson

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 14: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 14, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 14: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers signs autographs before a game against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 14, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Roy Hibbert was pestered by TMZ on Tuesday and asked if he was still interested in playing in the NBA. Hibbert said, “It’s just time to move on.”

I hate TMZ with a passion, and it didn’t appear former Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert was particularly interested in talking to them, either, but he did.

After a smattering of random basketball questions, Hibbert was asked if he was interested in getting back into basketball.

“I’m good on it right now,” said Hibbert. “It’s just time to move on.”

Hibbert didn’t play in the NBA last year and there weren’t any rumors that he would return. While the big man has an incredible run for a few years as a rim defender, the game changed and he didn’t.

If you need a longer explanation, check out Chris Herring’s article on FiveThirtyEight. Despite the potential to play in an evolved NBA, Hibbert never developed the skills to according to his former coach, Frank Vogel.

"“It’s surprising to me. I’ve talked to Roy about this, but he could still be playing in the league right now,” said Frank Vogel, Hibbert’s former coach in Indiana, who was recently let go by the Magic. “But the league has adapted, both big picture and in terms of what he was doing for us in Indiana. There’s been a severe evolution in how the league plays, and he’s been a victim of it.”"

This is perhaps why Larry Bird all but ran Hibbert out of town. Though Bird made his own mistakes, the series against the Atlanta Hawks in 2014 was the beginning of the end for Hibbert.

In defense of Roy Hibbert’s time with the Pacers

Hibbert’s issues towards the end of his time with the Pacers made him a scapegoat for reasons, but it’s easy to forget his impact.

The Pacers were the best defensive team in the NBA during those Eastern Conference Finals years, and Hibbert played a big part.

If you need the perfect example of his impact, look no further than LeBron James’ floater. Hibbert took the paint away from the Miami Heat and forced LeBron to add another trick to his game, something few players have done.

After two All-Star appearances, it is disappointing that Hibbert’s career ended quietly in a Denver Nuggets uniform a season ago.

Next: It's time for Myles Turner to make the leap

Hibbert’s short run of dominance and quick departure from will never fully be explained, but as of Tuesday, we know it officially found its end.

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