Roy Hibbert Already Showing Improved Game

Oct 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) reacts to a call in the second quarter of the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Magic won 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers are relying on big man Roy Hibbert to get his act together and be a leader this coming season, and they have been very happy and excited with what they have seen so far in preseason action. Hibbert has displayed an improved game already, and looks much more into the game than he has been over the last couple of seasons. If he is able to keep up the type of play that he has shown so far throughout the entire season, he will prove his doubters wrong and take back his spot as one of the NBA’s top front-court players.

Obviously he will be solid on the defensive end of the court, but he has looked much quicker and more energetic. Whether or not he will be able to keep that up throughout the course of an entire 82-game season is a completely different story, but it is still encouraging to see after the second half of last year. Having him engaged and putting forth effort on defense will be a major upgrade over the version of Hibbert that finished last season.

On the offensive end of the court, Hibbert has been much stronger and has been finishing his shots much better than he did last year. He looks much quicker in the post, and he is nailing mid-range jumpers. Perhaps getting the ball fed to him more often will keep him happy, and will keep him playing strong throughout the course of the season.

It’s difficult to get too excited about what he has done in two preseason games, but it i still encouraging for fans to see after the nightmare of last season. Hibbert is going to have to step up all season long for the Pacers to make the playoffs and have any chance of competing in a seven-game series, and he seems ready for the task. His offseason work with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar may have something to do with it, but Frank Vogel’s new offense might also be a factor.

Either way, the Pacers are very happy with the early results that they have seen from Hibbert. He is a very difficult player for opponents to defend, and he needs to use his size to his advantage. The Pacers’ new offense plays through the post much more often than it has in quite some time, which will give Hibbert more touches and opportunities to get going early in the game.

All of that being said, the Pacers will need to see a consistent Hibbert through the entire 82-game schedule this year. Hibbert has had great starts to the season, but nearly always has slowed down following the All-Star break. That simply cannot be the case this season if the Pacers want any chance at competing for a playoff spot, and he understands exactly what he needs to do.