Roy Hibbert essentially played two seasons in one.
Before the All-Star break Hibbert averaged 11.8 points a game on 46.4 percent shooting and he pulled down 7.7 rebounds a game.
They weren’t dominating numbers, but they allowed the Pacers to run away with the East in the first half of the season. After the All-Star break those numbers dropped to 8.9 points a game on 39 percent and 4.7 rebounds a game. Hibbert also had several playoff games where he didn’t even dent the stat line.
During Pacers exit interviews, Bird told ESPN.com that Hibbert needs to get with one of the NBA’s great Hall of Fame big men, and “allow them to mentor him.”
“Roy’s never asked us to go bring someone in,” Bird, the Pacers’ president of basketball operations, said. “I always say big guys are different. I would encourage Roy to try to get with one of the greats. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the best teachers. Bill Walton is great. They know how to play the position as well as anyone ever has. I would encourage that.”
Bird blamed Hibbert’s inconsistent play on a loss of confidence at times.
“When Roy loses his confidence, he struggles at times,” Bird said. “I hope he can come back strong. I hope he can do the things necessary to get better.”