Pacers exercise options on Rush, Hibbert

By Conrad Brunner | Nov. 1, 2009
The Pacers announced Sunday they have picked up the third-year options on Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush.

Now, they need those two to pick up their productivity.

As 2008 first-round picks, Hibbert and Rush have two guaranteed seasons, with separate team options for their third and fourth seasons.

Though both finished last season and opened this one as starters, those spots don't appear guaranteed.

After a promising preseason, Hibbert has struggled defensively as the Pacers have dropped their first two games. Atlanta's Al Horford racked up 24 points and 16 rebounds, and then Miami's Jermaine O'Neal totaled 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Hibbert, meanwhile, has totaled 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Rush has similarly struggled and in fact has played just 32 minutes in two games, totaling eight points.

"To a large extent, what we have to realize and what we have to have is a certain degree of patience with Roy, Brandon and Solomon (Jones, Hibbert's backup)," said Coach Jim O'Brien. "Solomon is in his third or fourth year but he hasn't played much. So we're playing with two (second-year players as) starters and the guy coming off the bench at the center spot just doesn't have enough reps and minutes under his belt.

"Just because Brandon had a good last month (in 2008-09) and Roy had a good last month doesn't mean they all of a sudden are going to come in and be dominant individuals. They're just not. Myu job is to try to grow the young guys and right now we're just at the point where these guys have to play basketball and play aggressive and make things happen instead of hoping things will happen."

Foster out with high ankle sprain
Complicating matters in the middle is another injury to the lone veteran in the mix, Jeff Foster. After missing most of the preseason with a sore back, Foster will now miss a couple of weeks with a high right ankle sprain.

Foster injured the ankle in the first half against Miami Friday.

Danny Granger, who has played both games despite a painful heel bruise, believes he'll be much healthier for the Pacers' next game, Tuesday at home against Denver because of the three days off between games.

"It will help me tremendously," Granger said. "When's our next game -- Tuesday? I should be leaps and bounds better by then."

Travis Diener (sore toe on left foot) is game-to-game, while Tyler Hansbrough (shin) and Mike Dunleavy (knee) remain out.