Roy Hibbert wants to return to the Indiana Pacers – NBA News
Roy Hibbert has made it clear that he wants to come back to the Indiana Pacers.
The 7ft 1 in centre made the statement on Thursday which would come as a sign of relief for the Pacers team management. Hibbert is all set to be a free agent on July 1. The only catch is that he is a restricted free agent which
means that the Pacers get to match any offer he gets from other teams. Given that good centres have become somewhat of a scarce commodity in the NBA, many teams are going to put in monstrous bids.
"I want to make sure that everyone knows I love Indiana. But as the process goes and we try to get something done, that's something I'm leaving to my agent,” said Hibbert, as he expressed his love for Indiana and his team.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel was present at the Caroline Symmes celebrity softball game, where he said that there is no doubt in his mind that the Pacers will retain Hibbert.
"Of course this isn't going to be his last time in Indy, he's not going anywhere,"
Hibbert is one of six players in the Pacers lineup who will become free agents in the summer. The Pacers coach as well as team president Larry Bird have made it clear that they would like their roster to return for next year.
This means they have two key signings in the offseason, Hibbert and Paul George. Both are restricted free agents and both have had a breakthrough season with the Pacers. The franchise is in good position to sign them as well. Early
calculations suggest that the Pacers will have nearly $21 million is salary cap space this offseason.
Hibbert had the best season of his career with the Pacers, averaging a career best 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. He was also selected as an All Star for the first time this season, and was part of the turnaround the Pacers displayed
in the regular season, finishing third in the Eastern Conference.
The Jamaican national was also actively involved in the playoff success of the Pacers. In the first round matchup against the Orlando Magic, Hibbert dominated the back court and led his team to a 4-1 series victory. Against the
highly favoured Miami Heat in the semi finals, Hibbert had big games 2 and 3, helping Indiana take a 2-1 lead in the series before eventually losing out 4-2. Things are looking up for the 7 foot 2 All Star Center, who is also a loved celebrity in Indiana.
Bird has made his intentions clear about the team’s future. He wants to take this team to the next level, the NBA championship level. He and his coach have a solid season to build upon. And Hibbert is critical in their plans of
becoming an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
“We're going to get every single one of them (free agents) back. The Pacers are going to shoot for the moon,” said Vogel.
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