Former NBA big man Roy Hibbert is transitioning into coaching, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that the Sixers have hired Hibbert in a player development coaching role.
A two-time All-Star as a player, Hibbert looked like a franchise cornerstone for the Pacers in the early 2010s, but his production and effectiveness fell off a cliff several years ago. After making stops with the Lakers, Hornets, and Nuggets during his final two NBA seasons, the 7’2″ center hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since the 2016/17 season.
Although he’s still only 32 years old, Hibbert has seemingly given up on the idea of making an NBA comeback, and is now looking to begin his coaching career. He’ll get his start on Brett Brown‘s staff in Philadelphia, which is headlined by assistants Ime Udoka and Jim O’Brien.
The O’Brien connection is worth noting — the current 76ers assistant was Hibbert’s head coach in Indiana during the center’s first three years in the league.
Good for him. More players should make the switch to coaching when they realize they’re done as impact players.
Will this interfere with his duties at Entertainment 720?
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but they were bleeding cash.
‘cornerstone” falling out of the league at age 29 or so… What could he pass on while teaching…? Fancy offensiv moves…. nooooot
Made a living showing up against those Heat teams. Fell off a cliff is a good way to put it.
Irony
Hoping for some johnthompsonism?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say they felt he had the right acumen to coach and influence young men positively. The trolls on this board? Never go near youth please, toxic AF. It shows a lot of character for a guy who isn’t going to let ego get in the way of him staying involved in the league in any capacity.
Makes sense. 76ers be elite defensive team this year and can help, particularly youngs guys, Embiid, Bolden, Pelle. At 32 it is also mutually beneficially that if stays in shape as practice player, in position to help be low cost off books, back up in emergency later in season and fit right in 10-15 minute a game.