Official: Hibbert traded to Lakers

[Grang33r]

Amazing how far we've fallen as a franchise.

How have we fallen far? West was old and Hibbert isn't Hibbert 3 years ago so we needed to change it up. Falling far would be blowing it up and becoming the Sixers for the next 3-5 years. I think this team is only a year away if we add some more to what we got to being back in the thick of things. I still think the team we have now is still a playoff team easily.

Two years ago we had one of the most feared starting 5's in the NBA. Now, only two remain and we may not even be a top-8 team in the East. That's a big fall in just two years.

[JeffFosters]

^ our fall is also a function of the changing NBA game. The big frontline and slow offense won't work against the smaller, faster teams like Atlanta and GS, who have great floor spacing.

I think Bird is making the right decision now, which is to move to this sort of game plan. Hibbert doesn't work in that line-up, so move him now.

There's still players available to help the transition, and there's always mid-season trades. The fact is that moving Hibbert for cap space alone gives Bird great flexibility.





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[xBulletproof]

Amazing how far we've fallen as a franchise.

How have we fallen far? West was old and Hibbert isn't Hibbert 3 years ago so we needed to change it up. Falling far would be blowing it up and becoming the Sixers for the next 3-5 years. I think this team is only a year away if we add some more to what we got to being back in the thick of things. I still think the team we have now is still a playoff team easily.

Two years ago we had one of the most feared starting 5's in the NBA. Now, only two remain and we may not even be a top-8 team in the East. That's a big fall in just two years.

Talk about premature. We don't even know what the rest of the team will look like.

Besides that, from last years players we're adding Monta, and Paul George (didn't play last year essentially, might as well be in the additions column). The NBA is a game about high end talent, and those 2 are better than anyone who played on last years team, and we still almost made the "top 8" then. The best player on last years team (George Hill), is still here as well. I have no idea how people come to the world is ending mentality about this offseason.

[Wizop]

What good is cap space? Now we can sign stuckey and Scola.

[pacers33]

What good is cap space? Now we can sign stuckey and Scola.

How does that make up for Hibbert? I'm bummed out about this. I really wanted to see how Hibbert could do next year.

[Scoot McGroot]

What good is cap space? Now we can sign stuckey and Scola.

Koufos and Teletovic?

[pacers33]

What good is cap space? Now we can sign stuckey and Scola.

Koufos and Teletovic?

Both players are alright but it's so meh that I would have rather kept the big guy.

[OnFire]

Tyson Chandler still available by any chance?

[pacers33]

Tyson Chandler still available by any chance?

Phoenix.

[Jermainevent]

Let's all come to terms with that fact that even with Hibbert on the Pacers, they're still no better than 4 or 5 (Cavs, Bulls, Bucks, and Hawks) in the East next season. While we shouldn't hold our noses up at that, I'm getting tired of being a middling organization. Even winning a series or two with that lineup wouldn't have benefited the team that much, because Hibbert wasn't coming back after next season anyway. So while there was the outside chance he could improve his stock and could potentially be moved for some better assets, I just did not see that happening after what Bird said about him not fitting what the team was trying to do going forward. Also, while there may not be a lot available in the market right now, come around January when a few teams come to the realization that the are ready to start rebuilding, the Pacers will be able to absorb a fairly large contract. Plus, it opens up more minutes at the five, giving Turner an opportunity to get his feet wet early and often.

I'm personally really excited about the direction of the team, it's just going to take some time to get all the pieces in place.

[OnFire]

Tyson Chandler still available by any chance?

Phoenix.

You think we could make a move for Tiago Splitter, perhaps? He's very much available, SAS made it known.

[xBulletproof]

Tyson Chandler still available by any chance?

Phoenix.

You think we could make a move for Tiago Splitter, perhaps? He's very much available, SAS made it known.

Atlanta.

[SmashMouthRod]

Let's all come to terms with that fact that even with Hibbert on the Pacers, they're still no better than 4 or 5 (Cavs, Bulls, Bucks, and Hawks) in the East next season. While we shouldn't hold our noses up at that, I'm getting tired of being a middling organization. Even winning a series or two with that lineup wouldn't have benefited the team that much, because Hibbert wasn't coming back after next season anyway. So while there was the outside chance he could improve his stock and could potentially be moved for some better assets, I just did not see that happening after what Bird said about him not fitting what the team was trying to do going forward. Also, while there may not be a lot available in the market right now, come around January when a few teams come to the realization that the are ready to start rebuilding, the Pacers will be able to absorb a fairly large contract. Plus, it opens up more minutes at the five, giving Turner an opportunity to get his feet wet early and often.

I'm personally really excited about the direction of the team, it's just going to take some time to get all the pieces in place.

The playoffs is key to the development of most players. A four or five seed will likely be a matchup in which Indy would have a legit shot to win, thus giving the young guys more experience. Playing against guys giving their best effort (in the playoffs) for guys like Solomon Hill, Myles Turner, Joe Young, Lavoy and even Paul is what will give them priceless experience and is the ultimate developmental classroom. I would much rather make the playoffs every year being competitive than lose with hopes to get a star every year until luck falls. As we all see in this new NBA climate NO star player wants to play for a loser (i.e. Lakers and Knicks despite the popularity of the cities).

[Grang33r]

^ our fall is also a function of the changing NBA game. The big frontline and slow offense won't work against the smaller, faster teams like Atlanta and GS, who have great floor spacing.

I think Bird is making the right decision now, which is to move to this sort of game plan. Hibbert doesn't work in that line-up, so move him now.

There's still players available to help the transition, and there's always mid-season trades. The fact is that moving Hibbert for cap space alone gives Bird great flexibility.

You don't put any blame to the front office for not realizing this whatsoever, to a point where we were forced to trade our once-corner-stone player for a 2nd round pick (and who knows when that pick will even be?) and rights to a international player who we'll never see?

I agree with what you said, the moves had to be made, but they were made too late. They misplayed their cards in a bad way. Got nothing for West, and, well, got next to nothing for Hibbert.

[Jermainevent]

Let's all come to terms with that fact that even with Hibbert on the Pacers, they're still no better than 4 or 5 (Cavs, Bulls, Bucks, and Hawks) in the East next season. While we shouldn't hold our noses up at that, I'm getting tired of being a middling organization. Even winning a series or two with that lineup wouldn't have benefited the team that much, because Hibbert wasn't coming back after next season anyway. So while there was the outside chance he could improve his stock and could potentially be moved for some better assets, I just did not see that happening after what Bird said about him not fitting what the team was trying to do going forward. Also, while there may not be a lot available in the market right now, come around January when a few teams come to the realization that the are ready to start rebuilding, the Pacers will be able to absorb a fairly large contract. Plus, it opens up more minutes at the five, giving Turner an opportunity to get his feet wet early and often.

I'm personally really excited about the direction of the team, it's just going to take some time to get all the pieces in place.

The playoffs is key to the development of most players. A four or five seed will likely be a matchup in which Indy would have a legit shot to win, thus giving the young guys more experience. Playing against guys giving their best effort (in the playoffs) for guys like Solomon Hill, Myles Turner, Joe Young, Lavoy and even Paul is what will give them priceless experience and is the ultimate developmental classroom. I would much rather make the playoffs every year being competitive than lose with hopes to get a star every year until luck falls. As we all see in this new NBA climate NO star player wants to play for a loser (i.e. Lakers and Knicks despite the popularity of the cities).

While I agree with everything you've said, I'm not advocating missing out on the playoffs, if possible. I agree teams benefit immensely from postseason play, the 2011 Pacers team comes to mind. However, just to keep Roy around another season with the possibility of grabbing the four seed verse being an eight seed doesn't really make a whole lot of sense. Sure, you'll potentially play 6 to 7 more games, however, you're possibly relying on a big man who won't be with the team next season, which in my opinion could stunt the growth of Turner more than missing out on the playoffs altogether. As far as it benefiting the younger guys on the roster, just getting consistent playing time will be a step up from what they've experienced in the past. Personally I'm not entirely sold on Solomon Hill at this time, so his development isn't as critical in my opinion. Again, I'm not advocating tanking, because in the East it will be hard enough to miss out on the playoffs when you are rolling the likes of George Hill, Ellis, and PG13 out there on a nightly basis. I'm saying, get Turner some early looks, let him takes his lumps, and let him get used to the NBA, so when PG begins to enter his prime, he will be more than able to contribute at at a high level.

[Grang33r]

Talk about premature. We don't even know what the rest of the team will look like.

Besides that, from last years players we're adding Monta, and Paul George (didn't play last year essentially, might as well be in the additions column). The NBA is a game about high end talent, and those 2 are better than anyone who played on last years team, and we still almost made the "top 8" then. The best player on last years team (George Hill), is still here as well. I have no idea how people come to the world is ending mentality about this offseason.

Who's do you think or want to be starting at the 4 and 5 next season? Just curious what a optimistic fan thinks.

Also, for the record, i am not in a "world is ending" mindset. I was one of the few on here who liked the Monte Ellis signing. I still do. However, i am disappointed in the front office with how the team has been handled the last two seasons. They didn't fill the weaknesses well enough and didn't read in which direction the league was headed. Now, i think we've set ourselves back quite a bit. My expectations are pretty low for next season.

[Jermainevent]

^ our fall is also a function of the changing NBA game. The big frontline and slow offense won't work against the smaller, faster teams like Atlanta and GS, who have great floor spacing.

I think Bird is making the right decision now, which is to move to this sort of game plan. Hibbert doesn't work in that line-up, so move him now.

There's still players available to help the transition, and there's always mid-season trades. The fact is that moving Hibbert for cap space alone gives Bird great flexibility.

You don't put any blame to the front office for not realizing this whatsoever, to a point where we were forced to trade our once-corner-stone player for a 2nd round pick (and who knows when that pick will even be?) and rights to a international player who we'll never see?

I agree with what you said, the moves had to be made, but they were made too late. They misplayed their cards in a bad way. Got nothing for West, and, well, got next to nothing for Hibbert.

How do you think Blazers fans feel this week? Their players still had some value, that has to burn a lot more. Bird wanted to give the Blue Collar Gold Swagger bunch one last run, but unfortunately the basketball gods had other ideas in mind. It would have been nice to get something for both of those guys, and West could have been moved for something at the deadline, but the way I see it, we traded West for Ellis, not a bad return.

[basketballwacko2]

I don't get it. Unless Bird knows that a DWest S&T trade is possible then what good is cap space? It's too late to clear space for anyone else, plus most free agent bigs are gone.

I'd expect some value in return for Hibbert regardless.

Cap space? Kosta Koufos would look good for us. Could re sign Stuckey, or go find a backup PG. it's not too late to find pieces.

Well don't we have to get something from the Lakers? 2nds, Robert Sacre, gotta get something right?

[Grang33r]

How do you think Blazers fans feel this week? Their players still had some value, that has to burn a lot more. Bird wanted to give the Blue Collar Gold Swagger bunch one last run, but unfortunately the basketball gods had other ideas in mind. It would have been nice to get something for both of those guys, and West could have been moved for something at the deadline, but the way I see it, we traded West for Ellis, not a bad return.

Yeah, Blazers are in a world of hurt too. Sorry if it's been posted, but grantland had a good article recently on us and them: http://grantland.com/the-triangle/continuity-errors-why-the-blazers-and-pacers-may-have-to-start-over/

[xBulletproof]

Talk about premature. We don't even know what the rest of the team will look like.

Besides that, from last years players we're adding Monta, and Paul George (didn't play last year essentially, might as well be in the additions column). The NBA is a game about high end talent, and those 2 are better than anyone who played on last years team, and we still almost made the "top 8" then. The best player on last years team (George Hill), is still here as well. I have no idea how people come to the world is ending mentality about this offseason.

Who's do you think or want to be starting at the 4 and 5 next season? Just curious what a optimistic fan thinks.

Also, for the record, i am not in a "world is ending" mindset. I was one of the few on here who liked the Monte Ellis signing. I still do. However, i am disappointed in the front office with how the team has been handled the last two seasons. They didn't fill the weaknesses well enough and didn't read in which direction the league was headed. Now, i think we've set ourselves back quite a bit. My expectations are pretty low for next season.

I don't know who the starting bigs will be. They may or may not be on the roster yet. That's the point. You're acting as though the roster is set, and done. Between cap space and exceptions we have in the range of 20 million dollars to spend, and 4 or 5 roster spots to fill. I would guess a starting PF is the first thing on the list. I think starting the season with Mahinmi until Turner is ready to play more minutes isn't impossible, but I doubt it's the first choice.

I see people listing free agents in regards to our cap space, but forget that one of the main uses of cap space is to get a good player by taking on the salary of a lesser one. Free agents aren't the only people Bird is going to target with this cap space.

I'm not sure how you can actually be optimistic or pessimistic about the PF/C situation, we are on day 4 of a several month offseason.