ESPN: Hibbert Chat

[granger05]

I was just on ESPN and noticed that a chat with Hibbert is starting ASAP:

LINK

Get on there and ask him to stay with the Ps on the cheap.

[granger05]

Looks like it was just a quickie. He only answered questions for about 10 minutes, though he was pretty quick and got through a lot. A sample of his free agent type questions:

Matthew (Indiana)

What is your biggest area of focus for improvement this off season.
Roy Hibbert (12:00 PM)

Scoring from the high post, where David West scores, so they can't front me in the post.

Matt Harter (Huntington, IN)

In your opinion, what does your team need to do to reach the Finals next year? Is there a particular type of player that you would like see added to the team? I'll see you in INDY next season!!
Roy Hibbert (12:02 PM)

Keep growing through drafting great players and bring quality free agents and players who want to win.

Sam (Muncie)

How close are you to getting a deal done with the Pacers?
Roy Hibbert (12:03 PM)

We can't talk to the team until July 1.

Paul (Indy)

Also what area of the team do you think the Pacers should target with the upcoming draft?
Roy Hibbert (12:04 PM)

I think they'll probably draft a big. I have no idea though. I think they need a backup for myself.

Aneesh (Indy)

Dang Big Roy, you're knocking these questions out rapid-fire style! Where do you see the Pacers finishing in the East next year?
Roy Hibbert (12:06 PM)

If I'm back there next year, I think we'll have a pretty good chance, as long as we keep bringing in quality players.

Mark (Madison, WI)

What would you say to any free agent that is considering signing with the Pacers, but is lukewarm about moving to Indy (as opposed to a bigger city)?
Roy Hibbert (12:06 PM)

Coach Frank is truly a great coach. The city is great. It's family oriented. We're all about winning. No nonsense.

No surprise that he expects to be back. It wasn't until someone specifically asked him about his contract status that he started couching things with 'if.' No one asked him about taking less for a longer deal or anything more specific. His favorite movie is "Anchorman" and he's planning on working with Tim Duncan again this offseason.

[DWCP2]

Yeah Hibberts cap hold is shy of 6.5 million but I expect his starting salary for 2012-2013 to double that at least.

George Hill's cap hold is 4.5 million, but I expect that to be just above the MLE once negotiations start.