Roy Hibbert shows support for Anthony Bennett, rookie keeping the faith

It's no secret that Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Anthony Bennett is having a really rough go of things to start his NBA career.

While he's not alone as a struggling Canadian player, his situation has gotten so bad that many have suggested a D-League assignment is necessary for him to work his issues out. He'd become the first ever No. 1 pick to be assigned to the D-League, so the Cavaliers are reportedly hesitant to try it.

While Bennett's overall numbers are still terrible, he finally flashed some potential on Jan. 28, when he scored in double digits for the first time as a pro, dropping 15 on the New Orleans Pelicans.

It led someone online to poke fun at Bennett's "success," altering the famous photo of Wilt Chamberlain from his 100-point game. Here's the original, for reference:

[Photo Courtesy: ESPN]

Well, consider Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert as someone who didn't find it funny. Hibbert took to twitter on Sunday to show support for the rookie:

Hibbert certainly speaks from experience. While he was the 17th overall pick and expectations were obviously more tepid, Hibbert struggled mightily as a rookie, averaging just 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while accumulating 7.7 fouls per 36 minutes. Basically, Hibbert was flashing potential but couldn't stay on the floor.

Slowly but surely, Hibbert has added to his offensive game and refined his defense, eventually reaching his current perch as the league's premiere interior defender (and a decent offensive option).

Bennett doesn't have that kind of defensive potential, but Hibbert is proof positive an unimpressive rookie season doesn't portend doom. Bennett's 27.5 percent mark from the floor almost has to improve and he should, eventually, start to "figure things out."

Bennett must agree, as he retweeted this motivational comic that a parody account of rapper Drake tweeted out on Sunday:

Keep on keeping on, Bennett. It can only get better.