Does Indiana Pacers’ Roy Hibbert Finally Get It?

When describing the 2013-14 version of Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers fans and critics alike might have said things along the line of “soft,” “fragile” or “mentally weak.” And you know what? They’d be right.

The entire 7-foot-2 frame of Hibbert seemed to completely vanish from the floor all too often last season, and there’s no excuse for that to have happened. Everyone, including Hibbert, knew that it was entirely on him as well. Just as it was his fault that he put in that kind of effort, he also knew the only way to fix that issue was to get himself right.

So the big question for this 2014-15 Paul George-less Pacers team is, did Hibbert do just that this offseason?

If it was any indication Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

During the Pacers’ 103-91 season and home opening victory, Hibbert was clearly the best player on the floor for either team. He finished tied with a game-high 22 points, while also adding eight rebounds and a ridiculous seven blocked shots. The big man did all that while being extremely efficient in his shot selection, going 6-for-8 from the field and also 10-of-13 from the charity stripe.

In addition to the excellent numbers, the most important aspect of this performance was the way he carried himself. There was no David West, nor George Hill, and Hibbert knew he was going to have to step up in this one. Not only did he do that in a big way, but he was confident and assertive in his play. He didn’t shy away from anyone, and was tough physically as well as mentally.

Now it’s a long season and it was just the lowly Sixers, but Hibbert has start his season on the right foot. Building off this performance and finding consistency in his game, effort and confidence will be key to his success, as well as the success of this entire franchise during the 2014-15 campaign.

Brian Neal is a columnist for InkOnIndy.com. Follow him on Twitter @brianneal23.