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Indiana Pacers: Could Roy Hibbert join the next coaching staff?

By Aaron Braaksma

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 15: Player development coach Roy Hibbert of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on October 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pistons 106-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 15: Player development coach Roy Hibbert of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on October 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pistons 106-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Former Indiana Pacers big man Roy Hibbert seemingly has an interest in returning to Indy as an assistant

Roy Hibbert played for the Indiana Pacers for seven seasons playing his role as the defensive anchor, doing a fantastic job at it. After Roy’s playing career was cut short at only 30 he took a Player Development Role with the Philadelphia 76ers. Why not get him back as part of the Pacers Organization? #HibbertToIndy

The Indiana Pacers are in the search of a head coach right now, and I’m not saying to bring in Hibbert as the head coach, but why not get him on staff? The Indiana Pacers are in a unique situation starting two centers together and having another off the bench who they believe can be a good player in this league. Hibbert was one of the best defensive bigs in recent history with his game-changing ability to go up vertically and contest shots without fouling, it was truly an art form.

There is always room for the centers to grow on the defensive end and we have the luxury that they are all three very young. Myles Turner is 24, Domantas Sabonis is 24, and Goga Bitazde is 21. We wouldn’t just sign Roy Hibbert to teach the players how to jump straight up without fouling, and a Verticality Consultant isn’t a thing. Roy would bring valuable all-around defensive prowess and a good post game to take Goga, Myles, and Domantas under his wing.

I’m not going to sit here and act like I know how he would perform if he was given a job on the coaching staff instead as a development role, but from watching some videos about him talking basketball, I don’t think he’d be any slouch. I feel like most people think a former player turned coach needs to be a point guard, I don’t think that’s the case.

With Roy being the defensive anchor, he had to have a high-level IQ for the game of basketball; making reads and trying to predict what the other teams were going to do in order to put himself in the best position. Honestly having him in a Player Development Role or even as a defensive voice in the coaching staff, I don’t think taking a chance on him could end up bad in any way.

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