As the end of the season comes, so do the end of the season questions. Will a certain player be returning? How will the team attack free agency? And so on.
In the case of the Indiana Pacers, they actually have a few questions with some of the mainstays of their roster. They have Roy Hibbert and David West as the biggest names headed towards free agency this summer.
While West is expected to return to the team it appears that Roy Hibbert might be getting forced out of Indiana, according to team President Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel.
Following from Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star.
“If (Hibbert) comes back we’re probably going to play another style and I can’t guarantee him anything,” Bird said. “He’s going to have to earn it.”
When asked for his assessment of Hibbert’s play, Bird said: “I didn’t think he played that well, to be honest. I thought he always played hard. He’s very durable but I don’t think he had a great year.”
“Whatever he does, he does,” Bird said. “We’ll assume he’s going to come back.”
“He’s got to work on his craft, like all of us do,” Vogel said. “And he’ll do that.”
Bird emphasizes #Pacers want Hibbert here BUT… team will play smaller. Again, not looking good for the 7-2 rim protector.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 17, 2015
Does new scheme mean Roy Hibbert will be benched, Vogel said: "Possibly."
"Roy's role will be diminished."
There it is again.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 17, 2015
In 2014, Hibbert was an All-Star but since that point last season, his play fall off since then. He averaged 10.6 points on 44.6 percent shooting with 7.1 rebounds this season. Again, Hibbert is 7’2″ and not small so how he’s not pulling down double-digit rebounds is an insane idea.
Roy Hibbert has a $15.5 million player option for next 2015-16 season. The salary cap will almost certainly get an expected increase for the 2016-17 season due to the new television contract for the league, so there would likely be more money available if Hibbert waits an additional season to hit the free agent market. Can’t deny that money at the end of the day and Hibbert would be foolish to not take it, even if that means he gets benched.
