Those around the Celtics are "cautiously giddy" about Gordon Hayward next season

https://us.yahoo.com/sports/nba-rumors-those-around-celtics-040146922.html




NBA Rumors: Those around the Celtics are "cautiously giddy" about Gordon Hayward next season




NBC Sports Boston
June 30, 2019, 6:01 AM GMT+2




Gordon Hayward's comeback from a gruesome ankle injury did not go as well as anyone hoped. A preseason set back kept him from playing in 5-on-5 before the start of training camp, leading to a slower start than expected.


As the Celtics struggled to find their identity on the court, Hayward's inconsistencies were amplified. According to Jackie MacMullan, Brad Stevens "force feeding" Hayward to try and get him back to form started some of the chemistry issues that plagued Boston all year.

Hayward got into a groove late in the year as the Celtics geared up for the postseason. Hayward even wrote he thought he was peaking at the right time, and it showed in a strong showing against the Pacers in the first round. But as was the case most of the season, it didn't last, and Hayward practically disappeared in the second round against Milwaukee.

Celtics on the rise (again) with Kemba on the way
Heading into next season, Hayward's role will change as Kyrie Irving and Al Horford are expected to leave. Kemba Walker intends to sign with the Celtics as soon as he's able, and the offense will be centered around Hayward, Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. As Hayward gets farther away from the injury, he has continued to give those around the Celtics confidence in his ability to get back to the All-Star player Boston signed two years ago.

Danny Ainge has expressed his excitement for Hayward next season, while a story from Steve Bulpett highlighted cautious giddiness around the team.  

There is a very good returning core in Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown, and people around the team are cautiously giddy of what Gordon Hayward could be as he gets further away from his horrible injury and plays a crew that hopefully is interested in sharing the ball more. But that still leaves a major need for an experienced big person.

The ceiling of next year's team is not as clear as last season. The level of talent isn't as high, and the hole at the center position still needs to be addressed, but with a better system fit in Walker and the hopeful progression of Brown and Tatum in increased roles, Hayward returning to his old self would make the Celtics a force in the East.

There's no way for us to know if Hayward is fully back, but the conditions seem to be improved for Hayward to find mental and physical consistency on the court for the Celtics.



bob
MY NOTE:  It takes two years, realistically, for a player with an injury as catastrophic as Hayward's was to make a full comeback.  This is that 3rd year, the one after the surgery and physical rehab and then the year of regaining confidence and rhythm.  It's too bad it looks like Horford won't be around for it.  This is what he came to Boston for.  Kemba, instead of Kyrie, and a fully back OG.



.

Hopefully his play will justify the minutes.


KJ

gyso wrote:Bob,

When Hayward signed on with Boston, it was to join Horford and IT (not Kyrie) and the kids.  Kyrie came later.

So it is "Kemba instead of IT".

gyso

Gyso,

Good point. In that case he should be even more happy.


bob


.

new reports out of Celtics training facility says Hayward has somehow gained 30 lbs AND is 3" taller now!!

Guess we had our new big man all along!!




note to Rosalie and others...this is just a joke and is not meant as a dig at Hayward at all. I hope the reports are spot on and he is back to full playing abilities this coming year.

Something funnier about it coming from a rusted old tow truck.

This is the thing all the pundits are missing. If Gordon returns to even 80% of his form from two years ago, he is a better all around player than most of the FA moving around the NBA this off season.

Go out and get a decent center like Enes Kanter to play along with Theis and Robert Williams and let the chips fall where they may.

mrkleen09 wrote:This is the thing all the pundits are missing.  If Gordon returns to even 80% of his form from two years ago, he is a better all around player than most of the FA moving around the NBA this off season.

Go out and get a decent center like Enes Kanter to play along with Theis and Robert Williams and let the chips fall where they may.

It's hard to know how much progress he makes in year 3. I'm hopeful for him but I don't want to set my expectations too high.

I also wouldn't have him in the starting lineup.



KJ