National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets: Mitch Kupchak Thinks Roy Hibbert is Good on Offense

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Los Angeles Lakers’ general manager, Mitch Kupchak, thinks that Charlotte Hornets’ newly acquired big man, Roy Hibbert, is good offensively.

A recent quote from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer quoted Los Angeles Lakers’ general manager, Mitch Kupchak, with saying that “You’ll be surprised how good a basketball player he is on offense.” LA’s GM was speaking to Charlotte Hornets’ head coach, Steve Clifford, over the summer when he said that. Roy Hibbert signed with the Hornets this offseason.

After having a career-worst season with the Lakers last year, Hibbert was a free agent and Charlotte signed him to a one-year, $5 million deal over the summer. The cheap contract came because of the down season that the big man had in Los Angeles. Even with his struggles, Kupchak threw a compliment Hibbert’s way.

Roy is looking to have a bounce back season with his new team and under Steve Clifford’s system. The two-time all-star is trying to rebound after a dismal year in LA that saw him post career-worst numbers in points per game. He also had his worst rebounding and blocking season since his rookie year.

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While Mitch could have easily thrown shade Hibbert’s way with how poorly he played, he instead decided to give a compliment. The former Indiana Pacers’ player has been known for his defense throughout his career while his offensive game has been overshadowed. He isn’t necessarily bad on offense but it is merely overlooked by many who only see him as a defensive big man and not a scoring threat.

Through four games this preseason, Hibbert is averaging 5.5 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game in only 21.3 minutes per game. He recorded six points and nine rebounds in an exhibition game against the Boston Celtics. Roy almost had a double-double in the team’s first preseason game with 10 points and eight rebounds versus the Dallas Mavericks.

The 7’2 big man has served as Charlotte’s starting center so far in the preseason. Although, it is unclear if he will remain in that role once Cody Zeller recovers from injury. During Zeller’s absence, Hibbert has filled in nicely and is making a name for himself with the Hornets while leaving an impression on coach Clifford.

It was nice of Mitch Kupchak to share some insight and give Roy a compliment as opposed to an insult. The longtime Lakers’ GM has signed some great players during his time with the team, Hibbert might not have worked in LA but he very well could with the Charlotte Hornets. Keep a close eye on his offensive game this season.

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