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

By Randy Porga

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)
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 Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Develop into the real deal

Gordon Hayward came out of his shell overall and displayed the true capabilities of his game during 2016-17. But can he put it all together and develop it into not just a string of games, but for his whole contract in Boston?

With a new starting five and the season yet to start, there will be much to learn about how Hayward and Irving will operate on a nightly basis. Marcus Smart should get the starting minutes at the 2 and he can have a breakout year between Hayward and Irving.

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Hayward is averaging 31.3 minutes per game for his career, and he averaged 34.5 during 2016-17. The kid is a pure workhorse as he has averaged over 36 minutes per game twice in his career as well. With that being said, he will need to look to create opportunities around him being on the court that often.

When it comes down to a needed clutch shot, it will likely go to Irving, which will be new for Hayward. But he will certainly need to leave a little reserved in the gas tank for also focusing on the previous goal, being active on the boards.

Hayward will be the centerpiece to any success Boston has this year. If Gordon puts up percentages like 2015-16, the Celtics can be in serious trouble. Of course Hayward can score, and Irving is going to be the primary option, but this year’s Boston Celtics must learn from last year: scoring is not everything.

Next: Top 10 candidates for the 2017-18 NBA Sixth Man of the Year

If Gordon Hayward can become a complete package at the 3 and work on facilitating being incorporated further into his game, the Boston Celtics can be better than they were last year.

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