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 /

4. Step up for lost defense

The Celtics lost their best wing defender in Avery Bradley, although something is to be said for how freakishly similar Jae Crowder and Gordon Hayward were statistically last season. While Gordons’ field goal percentage was slightly higher last season, they both shot for the same exact 3-point percentage. But what is more important is how they are defensively.

In this exchange the Celtics got a better offensive player, while not exactly getting “better” on defense. Both players had the exact same steal and block averages of 1.0 and 0.3 per game, respectively. However, Jae Crowder had a slightly lower defensive rating and the better Defensive Box Plus-Minus with 0.2 last season.

For as much as Gordon has a knack for the ball on offense, he will need to display some slightly quicker hands on defense. Both players were also just active on the boards, with Gordon posting 5.4 rebounds per game last season compared to Crowders’ 5.8 per game.

It is a tough sell to say this early how much better the Celtics will be this season with an unrecognizable starting five that includes two new stars. On the offensive end, sure, but it will be up to Hayward to play a touch more physical to make up for what Boston lost on defense this offseason.

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