The argument for Hayward being expendable
Well, the short answer is that the Boston Celtics did not a single beat in the three and a half games they have played since Gordon Hayward suffered a high grade III ankle sprain in the first game of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Philadelphia.
Jayson Tatum elevated his point totals–minus a game three he spent much of in foul trouble. Kemba Walker similarly raised his profile, becoming the hero in the clinch-sweeping game four. Marcus Smart, the most obvious beneficiary of Hayward’s injury, has contributed across the board in a supporting role to the trio of Tatum, Walker, and Jaylen Brown.
“Team Shamrock” has been a revelation together so far in the postseason. During the regular season, the C’s were able to muster a 14-6 record without the max contract superstar. Being that Hayward makes up a little under 33 percent of the cap, it is fair to question what else Boston could be spending his $34 million salary on.
Given the fact that all of the top C’s play on the perimeter, alleviating that log jam while picking up multiple pieces (a Houdini favorite trade return includes Myles Turner and T.J. Warren) could be one way to go if the team can’t get past Toronto…or even if it does.