Gordon Hayward to Don Green
July 7, 2017
Alright “Green-Teamers,” Gordon Hayward is a Celtic. But where does that put us, are we now instant contenders? For a few years, we’ve been stuck in that limbo phase, where we have competed but haven’t been a serious threat to Cleveland or Golden State in the West. After finally advancing to the Conference Finals, does this successful offseason thrust the Celtics into the true NBA elite? I wouldn’t say that, but what I will say is that the Celtics are markedly closely to Banner 18. Hayward tenders the Celtics his services after an impressive all star season, one that showcased the tireless effort Hayward has poured into his craft over the years.
As a Celtic, Hayward will almost certainly prosper in the situation for two reasons: he has a great work ethic, and he matches perfectly with the Celtics roster and coaching staff. This is a quick article by a Jazz fan at this past year’s All Star Break, reflecting on how she saw Hayward’s growth as a player from his rookie year.
https://www.slcdunk.com/2017/2/20/14671610/nba-all-star-2017-utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-evolution
She explains on media day for the All Star Game, Hayward trained with Jazz assistant coach, Johnnie Bryant, whom Hayward credited in his Player’s Tribune piece. This was during the break when most players relax or have fun exploring the city of the game. After missing the playoffs in 2016, Hayward stayed in Salt Lake to work more closely with the coaching staff to ensure that did not happen again. This dude is always working, not content with flashy accolades like even playing for Team USA. In 2016, he declined an Olympics invitation to stay in Utah and work on his game. At 27, Hayward still has potential to improve further, even as a top 20 NBA player already. Remember that scrawny kid from Butler? His transformation is highlighted by a remarkable work ethic, one that will take him to further heights.
That’s all good and well, but can someone who’s morphed into a top 20 player in the NBA leave HIS team and come to a contender with a different system and culture? Well, let’s start by stating the obvious: the Celtics coach Brad Stevens is one of his best buddies and coached him in college, so no problem there. As far as the question of can he fit with a team with some great offensive players already (namely Isaiah Thomas), his play style fits perfectly. We know Isaiah Thomas likes to dominate the ball, with the fifth highest usage rate in the NBA (34%). Gordon Hayward, even as the clear best player on his team, only was 26th in usage (27.6%). He can still score at all three levels (21.9 points per game), but will do so without requiring a ton of shots.
Even with Hayward, the Celtics need to make additional moves this offseason. First of all, to officially sign him they had to shed Avery Bradley and a future 2nd round pick in a trade with the Detroit Pistons. The C’s received Marcus Morris in return, and after renouncing and waiving a handful of role players, Boston finally had enough cap space to sign Hayward. Then there remains the question of the center position. Even struggling at rebounding last year, the Celtics likely will return no one of consequence from the position last year besides Al Horford. And if you have been watching the Summer League, you cannot be impressed with Ante Zizic. The 2016 first rounder is extremely raw at this point, which is expected (he’s 20). He remains extremely uncoordinated, and the game looks too fast for him right now. So to expect anything more from him at this point than some hustle minutes is foolish. In my opinion, it will severely affect their playoff hopes if they do not acquire another big man or 2 before the season starts.
In addition to Gordon Hayward, fans have to be excited about Jayson Tatum right now. He looks improved since he last played at Duke, a clear force in the Summer League. After hitting the game winner in game 1 against the 76ers, Tatum further flashed his arsenal of NBA ready scoring abilities against the Spurs last night in game 2. He seems to be a poised scorer, ready to make immediate impacts for this team. I would not be surprised, especially if they do not acquire another big man, if he works his way into the starting lineup alongside Hayward and Al Horford in the frontcourt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12le1C4WgTM
Written by Will McGuinness
