Boston Celtics: 5 goals for Gordon Hayward in 2017-18

By Randy Porga | Sep 28, 2017

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Gordon Hayward talks with the media as he gets introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Add to the fancy moves

Crafty, athletic, creative and smooth are just some of the words that can describe Gordon Haywards’ handles and moves to the basket. He should certainly be regarded as one of the more mobile and versatile forwards in the league. While there is no statistic measuring the quality of separation of space created per shot (there ought to be..) this is where his ability to handle the rock shows.

He is a force when any space is left in the paint and is certainly not afraid to throw it down either. There is a solid repertoire where he can finish and any way you slice it, he has maneuverability and speed over many forwards in the league. He also has the hustle to make a defensive play on one end and hustle back for the finish on the other.

If Hayward can continue to polish his handles and maybe even add another move or two to his arsenal, his all-around game will continue to improve. Creating more space means more open looks, which equals a higher field goal percentage. The same can be said for minimizing contested shots, as he also had a career-best with only 43 shots blocked during 2016-17.

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