Roy Hibbert: 5 Ways the Indiana Pacers Center Can Elevate His Game

At 7''2' Roy Hibbert is one of the biggest players in the NBA. That's a good thing for the Pacers, because if Indiana is going to make a playoff run, "Big Roy" is going to have to carry the team on his back.

A rising star in this league, Hibbert is already establishing himself as a top center in the game and if his progress is any indication, he should be more than up for the challenge of leading the Pacers deeper into the postseason.

1. Dominate the Paint

Last summer Bill Walton was asked by Larry Bird to work with the Pacers center on developing his game. Readily agreeing Walton, who is never one to be reserved, claimed that, 

"Hibbert was put on this earth to control the paint. It's not his choice, it's his responsibility, it's his duty, it's his obligation."

The Pacers center came along way this year (especially under Vogel) but needs to continue improving his post game. Bill Walton is right, at 7''2' there is no reason Hibbert shouldn't command the middle like former Georgetown greats Mourning, Ewing and Mutombo. 

Expect Hibbert's 12.7 ppg and 7.8 rpg to continue climbing as he cements himself as another in the line of dominant Hoya big men.

2. Work on His Midrange Game

He was nicknamed the "Dunkin Dutchmen" but Rik Smits' greatest strength was his midrange game. He was deadly from the top of the key and made a living hitting the baseline jumper. 

The Pacers newest big center should take note.

Solidifying his interior post game has to be Hibbert's top focus.The Pacers need and expect Hibbert to really exercise authority and throw his weight around down low.

That doesn't mean however that he shouldn't neglect other parts of his offensive repertoire

One aspect that Hibbert still missing from his blossoming skill set is a dependable 15 footer. 

Like with most other aspects of his game, Hibbert is showing progress. For the Pacers this is a key facet to the big man's game which will add another dimension to the offense.

A team of slashers, the Pacers lack shooting. If Roy can hit the open jumper along the baseline, it will stretch defenses thin and give the guards room to maneuver along the interior. 

Few true centers were better than Rik Smits outside 10 feet. If Bill Walton is busy this summer Hibbert would be wise to see if Smits would be willing to hit the gym with him to share a few pointers. 

3. Stay out of Foul Trouble

Last year Hibbert only managed 27.7 mpg (a career high). Dwight Howard - a player Hibbert should/probably emulates - played a full 10 minutes more per game.

If Hibbert wants to reach elite status, he must stay on the court longer. So far in his early career, conditioning has plagued Hibbert. 

Above 7 feet tall, energy levels will always be a bit lower which will contribute to fewer minutes. It's a natural limitation of being so big.

Hibbert though has made great strides in his conditioning and appears ready for extended minutes. The problem is that Hibbert cannot stay out of foul trouble.

Foul issues were never really an issue for Hibbert in college but since joining the NBA, Hibbert has picked up a tendency for drawing too many cheap fouls. Whether its a lapse of focus, poor decision making or trying to block every shot, "Big Roy" still needs develop patience and show more restraint. 

If he can do that, the sky is the limit for Hibbert and Coach Vogel will be all too happy to reward him with 30+ minutes a night. 

4. Continue to Improve His Athleticism

Some think you can't become more athletic, that you either are an athletic freak or a big stiff. Roy Hibbert is proof that it can be done.

Watching Hibbert his first few years in college was painful. Half the time the play was over before the big fella could get into position. The other half the time you worried that something was going to snap and give way on the way down the court. The way he lumbered and moved so stiffly was concerning. 

But like always, Hibbert progressed. Labeled a project his first year at Georgetown, Hibbert grew into the beast of the Big East. By the time Hibbert graduated, people were saying he had sneaky athleticism. 

Now 'sneaky' is about to turn dominant. 

Since beginning work out routines with Hall of Fame big men like Bill Walton and since starting a martial arts regimen, Roy Hibbert has dramatically increased his athletic capacity. 

As with everything with Roy, Hibbert is a slow a late bloomer who keeps progressing and keeps improving his game. Athleticism is just another aspect of his all around abilities. 

Expect Hibbert to keep working hard. If so, Hibbert should fast shed his reputation for being another big stiff.

Keep Doing What He Is Doing

Passionate, determined and a relentless worker are all appropriate appropriate descriptions for Hibbert.

His numbers back it up. At Georgetown, Hibbert steadily increased both his points and rebounds per game each of his four years.

So far in the pros, he's done the same. From 7.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg his first year to 12.7 and 7.5 a game this past season, Hibbert has transformed himself from a project into a dominant big man.

If Hibbert keeps up his offseason workouts, the NBA should watch out. There is no reason that  Pacers fans shouldn't expect 16+ points and 10+ boards each and every night as he enters his fourth season in Indiana.

As his teammates take note of his progress, look for Hibbert to play a more central role in the offense because as many already know, the Pacers can only go as far as Hibbert can take them.