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Boston Celtics: 3 goals following 2019 NBA All-Star break

By Joe Hagen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics reacts after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics reacts after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Keep Gordon Hayward trending upwards

In the midst of Gordon Hayward’s statistically worst season since his rookie campaign, there is plenty reason for the 28-year-old forward to be filled with optimism.

Following his devastating injury at the start of the 2017-18 season, Hayward has struggled to re-adjust to the constant physical and mental demands of the fast-paced NBA. What had felt like a tedious task of assigning Hayward minutes earlier in the year, however, has evolved into a much more rewarding process in the month of February.

As a member of such a loaded Celtics roster, his role was never supposed to be scoring 30 points per game, but rather, to initiate the offense from the wing and give Boston another playmaking weapon alongside Al Horford and Kyrie Irving.

As of late, Hayward has done just that. In the last five games, he’s averaged 4.8 assists per game, more than one full assist above his season average. Also in that span, Hayward has averaged 17 points per game, a 5.8 point upward swing from his season average.

The numbers have not exactly blown anybody’s socks off, but a consistent stretch with Hayward contributing in all facets of the game is exactly what he’ll need to make the next leap forward in his recovery. Perhaps the most encouraging thing is his recent performances came when the team needed him most.

In the last two games before the All-Star break, the Celtics were without leading scorer and point guard Kyrie Irving. In those contests, Hayward averaged 22.0 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. While maintaining his steady playmaking from the wing, Hayward showed he is capable of putting the team on his back and carrying the scoring load as well.

More than likely, the Boston Celtics will not see a Gordon Hayward who is 100 percent back to form — mentally or physically — this season. However, they can continue to guide him in the right direction and with his steady improvements, and the Celtics will improve exponentially from it.

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