Hornets' Roy Hibbert: Could open season in starting role

Hibbert recorded two points (1-4 FG), five rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes during Thursday's 107-92 preseason loss to the Celtics.

Analysis:

Hibbert has started at center in both of the Hornets' preseason games while Cody Zeller (knee) remains out, and he could very well open the regular season in that role, as coach Steve Clifford indicated earlier this week that Zeller has "a long way to go," in his recovery. That development would aid Hibbert's fantasy value, but his ceiling is still fairly low given the limited impact he provided as a full-time starter for the Lakers in 2015-16. Over 81 games, Hibbert averaged just 5.9 points and 4.9 boards in 23.2 minutes per contest while shooting a subpar 44.3 percent from the field.