Who are the Indiana Pacers?
Their leading scorer is forward Danny Granger.
Their leader in the locker room is another former All-Star, David West.
Their two floor generals, George Hill and Darren Collison, give them a unique 1-2 punch in the backcourt.
Their starting SG, Paul George, is one of the most talented rising stars in the game.
But yet n’ still (as Eric Snow would say), the team’s identity is restricted free agent center Roy Hibbert.
He epitomizes what Indiana is all about: hard work, excellent citizenship, and putting basketball first in life. Roy has done all three masterfully on his way to All-Star status in 2012.
If the team chooses not to match the max contract offer he is about to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers then they might as well start preparing for the 2013 lottery.
Hibbert is the main reason why Indiana is one of the toughest teams to play in the Eastern Conference and also why the Miami Heat were almost derailed back in May.
While Danny Granger and his scuffles with Lebron James and Dwyane Wade showed leadership, Roy Hibbert is what keeps the Pacers from falling apart.
He guards the rim as well as contests jumpers on every possession, and when the team needs to settle down and dump it inside he gets that nod ahead of the jump-shooting David West.
If Roy decides to move to the Northwest, Frank Vogel better start packing.
It’s the unemployment line for you, ‘Vogues’…..David Letterman won’t be able to save you this time.
UPDATE (7/9/12): According to the Indianapolis Star, Pacers will match offer and keep Roy Hibbert.
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Yup. This story isn’t gettin’ enough coverage. If Blazers get Hibbert they are right back in the mix out west. Indiana would be done!
Roy is overrated, he capped out as far as potential. He is the next Jim Mcilvane
I agree Martin; the Pacers would be a lottery team w/out the ex Hoya. Good 2 see Donnie Walsh has still got the sense to match.