[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

He was kind of an afterthought coming in the year after missing all of 2 seasons ago and struggling last year trying to come back from a horrific injury. People forget how good this guy was in Utah and what a huge free agent signing he was for the Celtics. If you just assumed he’d never be the same player again, you definitely aren’t alone.
However, watching Hayward this season so far, it’s clear that he’s much closer to the player the Celtics thought they were getting in 2017. The timing and confidence is back, and even if he’s not quite as explosive as he was pre-injury, he’s at least at 85-90%. A healthy Hayward may be Boston’s best overall player, and significantly raises the ceiling for this team.

[r377Participant]

Good to see him bounce back. I thought he might have done better this season without irving and rozier but didnt expect him to post these types of numbers

[BKGingerSnapParticipant]

Hayward is much better with the ball in his hands in a play making role than he is as an off ball player. He’s a great slash and kick player due to his size, strength, scoring ability, passing skills, and basketball IQ but is only average as a catch and shoot wing. Although his struggles were primarily due to the injury, another overlooked issue was Kyrie’s domination of the ball last year and insistence on playing only 1 on 1 and pick and roll forcing Hayward into the weaker parts of his game and never really letting his confidence back up. So far Kemba is much more willing and comfortable playing off the ball at times and adjusting his game to Brad’s Offense which has really helped Gordon thrive so far this season. I’m very bullish on this Celtics team and think they are going to continue to surprise people.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Scary Terry looks like the worst pickup of last summer. The guy cant shoot to save his life. Celtics are instantly better with him and Irving’s toxic behaviour off the roster despite losing Baynes and Horford.

[armchairgmParticipant]

You guys jinxed Hayward.

[Author]

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