Roy Hibbert Reportedly Hired by 76ers to Join Coaching Staff

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistAugust 9, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 8: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw against the New York Knicks on April 8, 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Former NBA center Roy Hibbert has joined the Philadelphia 76ers staff as a player development coach, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Hibbert last played in the NBA in 2016-17, spending nine seasons in the league. He was a two-time All-Star and a second-team All-Defensive player in 2013-14.

No player illustrates the NBA's shift away from traditional centers better than Hibbert. Five years ago, he was an integral member of an Indiana Pacers squad that reached its second straight Eastern Conference Finals. Even during the 2013-14 season—when his stock started slipping—he averaged 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

Only 32, Hibbert is now transitioning to a coaching career.

Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Hibbert moving into a player-development role. He’s still only 32. Think his phase-out was one of the crazier ones we’ve seen it recent yrs https://t.co/8fyetuTpr6

The extent of Hibbert's duties in Philadelphia is unclear.

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Working with Joel Embiid seems a likely prospect. If anything, Embiid might benefit from playing more like a traditional center since he's a career 31.5 percent three-point shooter.

Hibbert, one of the NBA's best rim protectors at his peak, might help Philadelphia strengthen its defense close to the basket. The Sixers finished 2018-19 allowing opponents to shoot 59.7 percent inside five feet (tied for eighth-best) and 41.1 percent between five and nine feet (22nd), according to NBA.com.