Boston Celtics: The Gordon Hayward conundrum

Hayward struggles again, chooses to opt in

The worst-case scenario for the Boston Celtics is Gordon Hayward struggling as he did last year. They need him to perform, to be a focal point alongside Kemba Walker. Worse still, if he under-performs, it is almost guaranteed that he picks up the player option on his current contract.

Not only does this impact results on the court, but it also restricts the team’s ability to contend over the next two seasons.

Having a max-contract player who is unable to impact the outcome of games is any franchise’s front-office nightmare. Having this happen while one of your young pieces is hitting restricted free agency is catastrophic.

From Hayward’s standpoint in this scenario, it would be smart business on his side by taking up the option for his final year. If his performances from last year are to become the norm, then he will never see figures like that again during his professional basketball career.

Another factor here is chemistry, Terry Rozier went live on air during an episode of ESPN’s First Take to state that some members of the roster last year felt Hayward was being given preferential treatment.

With the trust Brad Stevens has for Hayward, which is borne out of their time together at Butler, Hayward being provided large minutes if still under-performing could well cause history to repeat itself.