Problems with the Indiana Pacers run far deeper than Roy Hibbert, but after yet another scoreless playoff game, he is getting most of the blame. The center cannot seem to remain consistent this playoff run and with expectations high for the Pacers, his downfall is plaguing the rest of the team. As indiana continues to get outplayed, could Hibbert be sent packing for roster upgrades?
At the moment, Indiana has made no mentions of uncertainly regarding Hibbert's future with the team. However, Bleacher Report and ESPN have both made the suggestion that the center could take the fall this offseason considering he is still a valuable asset despite his lack of impact in the postseason.
For the fourth time in the 2014 postseason, Hibbert has put up zero points. While he did have five rebounds in Game 4 against the Miami Heat, the scoreless effort was a big frustration for the Pacers. According to the center, head coach Frank Vogel's game plan is to blame.
"The game plan really wasn't to utilize me as much; I'm just trying to be effective as I can," Hibbert said, via ESPN.com. "Would I like a little bit more touches early on? Yeah. But that's how the cookie crumbles sometimes. I can only control what I can control. I can't control plays called for me."
The Pacers will not tolerate another postseason where they take a backseat to the Miami Heat. Indiana earned the No. 1 seed in the East for a reason and have failed to display that in the postseason, especially Hibbert. When the team looks to roster adjustments this offseason. a trade for Hibbert might not be the worst option.
Hibbert has value. He is a blocking and rebounding machine that can truly anchor a defense. Offensively is a different story. However, he ranked second behind Joakim Noah for Defensive Player of the Year and because of that many teams will look past his recent struggles if Indiana does in fact shop him.
So who could try and make a move for Hibbert? Hibbert is still owed $14 million and $15 million respectfully before he becomes a free agent in 2016 so teams must have some cap space to utilize. The New York Knicks could make a deal for Hibbert. Phil Jackson is looking to dump Tyson Chandler and could package him with Tim Hardaway Jr or Iman Shumpert and get a real defensive anchor that Chandler never turned out to be. The Los Angeles Lakers could also be an option if Pau Gasol is not re-signed.
Trading Hibbert would give the Pacers enough cap space to give Lance Stephenson a contract extension while making a few other moves. Bleacher Report believes re-signing Stephenson is something the Pacers favor first in free agency. The team has been linked to other free agents like Rajon Rondo, but will need to make other deals for it to happen. If Hibbert keeps up this downfall, he could be gone.
