September 28, 2015; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (left) and center Roy Hibbert pose for photographs during media day at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Roy Hibbert, Los Angeles Lakers
Ever since the 2013 playoffs, Roy Hibbert‘s respectability amongst his peers, and those of the media along with fans, has decreased quite rapidly. He went from NBA All-Star big man to a laughable stiff and just two years. After an offseason trade to the Lakers, Hibbert is looking to gain back the respect he once had, along with proving he’s capable of being an All-Star.
The Lakers are accustomed to All-Star centers such as Pau Gasol (2009-2011), Andrew Bynum (2012) and Dwight Howard (2013). Obviously, Hibbert is in a different situation from the aforementioned, but if he’s playing like he did just a few years ago and the chips fall in the right place, don’t be surprise if the Lakers enter the playoff conversation among pundits.
Everything starts and ends on defense. Hibbert will be the last line of defense when the opposition is driving towards the hoop and will need to make his presence felt in the paint. Two seasons ago, he averaged 2.6 blocks per game with a block percentage of 6.7%, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
He’s proven that the skill of shot-blocking is there. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s a huge upgrade over Robert Sacre. Hibbert’s defensive ability will hopefully help the Lakers, who surrendered 105.3 points per game last year.
Offensively, Hibbert has the post-up game that the team needs desperately. If LA wants to return to the playoffs, Hibbert’s play will play an important role in what could be a positive season.
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