3 reasons the Boston Celtics are wrongfully counted out as contenders

Gordon Hayward isn’t getting credit for adjusting his game

No longer is Gordon Hayward the number one option on the offensive end of the ball like he was during his days with the Utah Jazz. In fact, these days he isn’t even a top-three option. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown all average more shot attempts per game.

In fact, Hayward may be best utilized as a second unit spark-plug in certain playoff options to have Marcus Smart on the floor more when the game slows down. That’s a conversation for another day, though.

Today, we need to recognize the adjustments that Hayward has made as an efficient option in the Celtics offense as opposed to the option. It isn’t often that players take being demoted so gracefully. As the team’s highest paid player, he hasn’t caused any issues…especially with a coach in Brad Stevens who coached him in college and was accused of giving him preferential treatment.

Hayward has embraced his role, and it has led to the Boston Celtics owning a top-3 record in the Eastern Conference through the first 54 games of the season.