NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers Must Lock Up Roy Hibbert with New Contract
The Indiana Pacers must give center Roy Hibbert a new contract extension because he has proven to be an important part of the team's current and future success.
Hibbert was one of the NBA's most improved players last season, and Pacers general manager Larry Bird has a little over a week to give him a new deal before the summer.
"The Pacers have until Jan. 25 to offer Hibbert a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent if the sides don't agree to a deal by then. Pacers president Larry Bird said earlier this week the team has not begun talking about a new deal with Hibbert.
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I'm a little surprised Bird has not begun contract talks yet. A talented young center like Hibbert is a major asset in today's NBA, and the Pacers would be really foolish not to lock him up as soon as possible.
Hibbert is averaging 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season, and his six double-doubles ranks fourth in the league.
After a poor rookie season, Hibbert has really improved his game in each of his last three years in the NBA.
"He's getting older, more mature, he's comfortable in his role, and he knows the ups and downs are not going to change his role," coach Frank Vogel said.
Hibbert has really established himself as a top-tier center, with his defense and energy helping the Pacers at both ends of the floor each night.
Including this year, Hibbert has improved his scoring average in each of his four seasons in the league. His rebounds per game average has risen each season as well.
His ability to improve each season and work hard on his game is one of the many impressive things about Hibbert's young career.
Indiana is one of the best young teams in the NBA, and with Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Granger, and David West, the Pacers have one of the best frontcourts in basketball.
Hibbert is a key part of the team's future, and re-signing him to an extension makes perfect sense for the franchise going forward.
Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report
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