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Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward 2018-19 season preview

By Jesse Cinquini

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 06: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 6, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 06: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 6, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Just two seasons ago, Gordon Hayward was widely regarded as someone who was an elite player in this league. Will he be able to return to all-star form, and what should fans of the Boston Celtics expect from him?

Gordon Hayward’s return this season adds to the Boston Celtics already sky-high expectations. Despite obviously missing the entirety of last season, he has proven during the last few seasons that he is an all-star level talent when healthy. Even when factoring in Hayward’s past accomplishments, it is hard to determine what the Celtics should expect from him. It is important that the team and the fans stay patient with Gordon, especially during the beginning of this new season.

As far as statistics go, it is hard to predict what he will average. Anywhere from 21-16 points per game seems realistic. Best case scenario he has a role similar to the one that he had in Utah just a few years back, and worst case scenario he is a complementary star. His stats may take a dip this year, but not as much as some people think. C’s fans should fully expect to see a very productive year from Gordon Hayward overall.

Next. Is Jamal Crawford a good fit for the Boston Celtics. dark

Unlike most of the players on the Celtics roster, I am not looking to see what Hayward improved on during the offseason. Just seeing Gordon out on the court and in shape will be enough to satisfy me to start the season. When coming back from such a traumatic injury, it is important to be patient and allow the player to get acclimated to playing basketball again. It has been nearly a year since Hayward has stepped on an NBA court so it will certainly be an adjustment for him.

Fans do not need to be worried about Gordon Hayward’s effectiveness on the court this season. He is a superbly talented and versatile basketball player who will help the Boston Celtics in a multitude of ways. I could definitely see him making the all-star team and being one of the leading scorers on the C’s. His return will allow the Celtics to reach new heights as a team. They are a group that can challenge even the Golden State Warriors if they can stay healthy. I am very excited to be able to see Gordon Hayward play the game of basketball at a high level after such a long absence from the team.

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