Hoops Habit
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from the midseason point

By Andrew Neururer

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 17: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 17: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2. Gordon Hayward’s return has had a reverse effect

Gordon Hayward’s return from his season ending injury last year has had a reverse effect on the Celtics season. He earned his way to a max contract, but no one was expecting him to get hurt the way he did.

Since his return, he not only has slowed himself down, but his teammates as well. It’s not only his fault, but he has played a role in the team’s slow start. This season, he’s averaging only 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steal.

He’s also shooting inefficiently with 42.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. Again, it’s not easy to comeback from the injury he suffered, but the rust hasn’t fallen off as quickly as anyone would have liked.

It’s good to note that he has shown some flashes of his old-self. He had himself a night Jan. 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he scored 35 points on 14-of-18 shooting, including going 4-for-7 from distance.

He even recorded a near triple-double against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 4 — missing it by two assists.

Brown has also slowed down quite a bit this season. Though it’s worth mentioning that even with Hayward moving to the bench before he did, the former California Golden Bear still couldn’t find his rhythm.

It’s been a disappointing season for him, as he still has had a lot of inconsistent nights, mainly shooting the ball. The move to the bench alongside of Hayward has helped the third-year player, but it’s still been an up-and-down season.

Hayward moved to the bench on Nov. 19 against the Charlotte Hornets and at that time the Celtics were a little bit above .500. So not only has Hayward struggled coming back this season, but the team and players have had a hard time adjusting to another player joining the rotation.

Home/Boston Celtics