New Life for Hibbert?

With news that Jim O'Brien has reportedly been fired by the Indiana Pacers, the path has likely been cleared for Roy Hibbert to resume his assent into fantasy stardom. Hibbert began the season as a top fantasy center and gradually slid to the point that he's riding the pine in most fantasy leagues. O'Brien's approach of limiting Hibbert's minutes at seemingly random times not only hurt his fantasy values but possibly devastated his confidence as well. To illustrate the point, here's how Hibbert's season has progressed.

• In October, he averaged 18.3 points, 10 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.7 blocks and shot 47% from the field and 86% from the line while playing 35 minutes a game. Elite fantasy numbers in any league.
• In November, he averaged 15.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks and shot 49% from the field and 74% from the line while playing 29 minutes per game. Down from October, but still great production.
• In December, he averaged 10.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks and shot 42% from the field and 67% from the line while playing less than 28 minutes a game. Big drop from November but still serviceable stats for fantasy purposes.
• In January, he's averaging 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 37% from the field and 60% from the line in 21 minutes per game. Yuck.

Certainly Hibbert needs to become much more consistent. Over the last two years, he has been a beast for stints only to fade for extended periods. But he clearly has proven that he has the potential to dominate. Whether or not O'Brien is to blame for Hibbert's inconsistency, the coach surely did not create an environment in which the young big man could grow. So with O'Brien now out of the way, the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old center. As with a player who has been traded to a better situation, Hibbert could very well turn things around immediately.

If he was cut in your league, make room for him immediately. If he is owned, this would be a good time to attempt to buy low.

UPDATE: The Pacers' press conference just concluded. Larry Bird talked about the desire to give more time to the young players, and new coach Frank Vogel talked specifically about trying to get Hibbert back on track. Just more music to the ears of Hibbert owners.