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Boston Celtics Prediction Series 1: Gordon Hayward

By Justin Trombino

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Celtics won 117-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Celtics won 117-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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As an eventful offseason continues, the Houdini will be covering every player’s journey before the start of the upcoming season. Our first member of the Boston Celtics roster we will be highlighting is Gordon Hayward.

Gordon Hayward is entering his second season after the very gruesome injury he suffered during his first game as a member of the Boston Celtics, in 2017.   Having played nearly a full season last year on his new ankle, Hayward was able to average 11.5 points per game while playing 25.9 minutes per game.  The Celtics are hoping that Hayward can return to his all-star form this season and contribute in a big way, as he continues to progress forward from his ankle injury.

With the Celtics using all four of their draft picks this year, they were able to fill some holes in their roster and gain a lot of depth along the way.  Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum do play the same position, so for them both to be starters I think Tatum will have to slide into being a power forward.  Having both Hayward and Tatum on the floor together will be a great match-up for opposing defenses.

Something the team lacked a lot of last year was the ability to drive to the basket when they didn’t have a confident shot attempt.  Hayward separates himself from most in the NBA when it comes to this, as he will drive to the hoop with no hesitation, and usually earn an “And-1” attempt.  When Hayward’s distinct left-handed step-back jumper is on point, it’s almost unguardable.  The Celtics will need him to get back to the point of consistency within his shots, especially from three-point range.

The relationship between Gordon Hayward and Brad Stevens is deep.  Recruiting Hayward from high school, losing an NCAA Championship together, and to one day coaching him in the NBA, Stevens may have played ‘favorites’ when it came to minutes last year, which eventually caused problems with last year’s team.

With the departures of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, Hayward is now one of the few veterans on the team. His impact on the court will have to be just as strong in the locker room, which will be different for Hayward, as I find him to be more of a quiet/reserved person.

Next. Three things to key in on during Summer League. dark

I’m predicting that Hayward is starting at the beginning of the season, but fades into a secondary role as the season progresses (similar to last season).   I see Hayward finishing with a per-game stat line of around: 15.5PPG, 3AST, 5TRB, and 21MPG.

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