Today’s version of the NBA is a guard driven league. Many years ago the NBA was dominated by big men, and a quality Center would almost guarantee some success. Bird and Magic transitioned the game in the 80’s, and Michael Jordan took it to another level in the 90’s. Even though they had huge success, Centers were still looked at as a focal point of the NBA. You can’t teach height, so there is/was a high demand for Centers.
In today’s game there are no Patrick Ewing’s, David Robinson’s, Shaq’s or Olajuwon’s roaming the court. The Center position is watered down due to the lack of skilled bigs. If a seven footer can walk and chew gum in today’s NBA they are considered an asset.
That brings me to talk about Indiana Pacers Center Roy Hibbert. The past few years Hibbert has been looked at as one of the best Centers in the game. Hibbert, who played four years at Georgetown, and is now in his sixth season has improved as a player over the years, but he is not the dominant force that people think he is. I will admit I am not a huge fan of Hibbert, and I only think he is so-called good, because of the lack of competition at the position.
On the defensive end Hibbert clogs up the lane and blocks shots. Hibbert is a an asset on that side of the floor due to his size. In a league with very few quality Centers Hibbert can roam and protect the rim. Hibbert will likely win the defensive player of the year award, because the Pacers plays great defense as a team, and rightfully so he is the anchor of the defense.
To some Hibbert seems like an imposing force, but in reality he is not. People get caught up in the moment when they see Hibbert dominate against the Miami Heat. If you really pay attention to Hibbert’s whole body of work he not worth all of the hype. Hibbert averages 11.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg. In the golden era of Centers, Hibbert’s are not even good as guys such as Vlade Divac, Rik Smits, and Elden Campbell. I know numbers don’t always tell the story, but playing against the watered down Centers, Hibbert should at least be averaging a double-double.
No disrepect to those players mentioned, but Hibbert would have probably been in the same class as them if he played in that era. I know numbers tend to lie, but in Hibbert’s case he is vastly overrated. Centers in today’s game such as Marc Gasol, DeMarcus Cousins, and Andre Drummond are all better than Hibbert but they don’t receive half of the recognition that he receives. Hibbert does play for a championship contending team, so that gives him an edge over those guys.
I know Hibbert can’t be penalized for the era he plays in, but people need to relax. Calling Roy Hibbert the best Center in the NBA is blasphemy. Yes, he is a key component for his team, but people need to pump the brakes when it comes to calling Roy Hibbert the best Center in today’s game. Calling Roy Hibbert overrated isn’t a stretch, but calling him the best Center is a stretch. Roy Hibbert is not a star by any means, but he is a product of his environment. Hibbert will continue to pile up accolades until his other counterparts improve. It’s crazy to see Hibbert flourish the way he is. Just imagine if any of the Centers in the 1990’s got a chance to play against the Centers in today’s game. It wouldn’t even be fair.
