IC Cold Links: Hibbert Must Earn Starting Spot; NBA Says No More Tweeting

by spstevenson on Oct 1, 2009 9:16 AM EDT in News Comment 5 comments

Only one more sunset separates us from the dawning of the Indiana Pacers season when play officially begins on the court of Conseco "Reggie Miller" Fieldhouse.

Tomorrow's preseason opener against the Bulls will give fans their first look at the starting lineup, the player rotations and the fresh faces of newcomers in blue and gold jerseys. It will be interesting to see who has the lead when it comes to the starting spots in the shooting guard and center positions.

Check out the jump to get information on Roy Hibbert trying to lock down that No. 5 spot, some season previews for the Pacers, and the demise of halftime and in-game social networking by NBA players.

Mike Wells used his Pacers Insider page on the Indianapolis Star website to note that newcomer Solomon Jones is not letting Hibbert just walk into the starting center position. Coach Jim O'Brien says the spot is still "wide open" despite Hibbert starting during the final months of his rookie season.
Speaking of Jones, Wells also wrote an article about the former Hawks prospect that talks about the great opportunity that Jones has in Indiana to finally earn playing time after being stifled on the Atlanta's bench for three years.
Two more season previews that examine the Pacers' chances in the upcoming season. Here is one from Pacers blog Always Miller Time; and another from Bleacher Report.
SLAM Online has recognized Pacers forward Danny Granger as the 21st best player in the league heading into this season. Here is the story that gives their rationale for his selection.
Former Pacers player Ron Artest is surprised he's not at the center of attention of drama and distraction at the Lakers training camp. Artest is quoted by the Los Angeles Times as saying "that's my history, of being a distraction to the team." Fantastic.
NBA commissioner David Stern has ended tweeting and other social networking by NBA players prior, during and immediately following games this season, according to ESPN. Mark Stein also reports, through his Twitter page, that new rules will also try to deter players on the bench from standing for lengthy periods during games.

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I don't think so

I’m not buying it for a second. Hibbert will be the starter and he should be the starter. But I see why O’Brien is saying what he’s saying. Could you imagine if before camp he told every player whether they’re a starter, non-starter or even bench warmer? Of course he’s going to say “competition is wide open at every spot,” that’s what generates competition. Hibbert’s the guy, but I could certainly see Solo making an impact as defensive specialist off the bench. With Hansbrough out for a while, he’s got a great shot at making the 10-man rotation. And who knows, maybe he even keeps his spot in the rotation after Hansbrough returns. Height and athleticism can get you a long way.

by Hinrich10 on Oct 1, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

see the tony ugoh situation from colts preseason.

~SHaFF!~
The Little Sports Blog That Could:
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by SHaFF87 on Oct 1, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least Hibbert seems serious in improving his game...

from what we’ve read or seen so far, Ugoh seems more passive. I guess passive is the best word I can come up with.

by Gwen on Oct 1, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s just Hibbert’s spot to lose. He should be, will be the starter as long as he doesn’t screw it up. I’m interested to see Jones play tomorrow night so we can get a sense of really what we got with him. Really, the only person I could see taking Hibbert’s spot is Foster. But I think Hibbert can hold on to it. Only time will tell.

by spstevenson on Oct 1, 2009 6:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs