Predictions for the 2019-20 Boston Celtics
By Adam Taylor
5. Hayward has a bounce-back year
While it is usually an exercise in futility to read to much into preseason performances, Gordon Hayward has displayed something that will translate to the regular season — his athleticism appears to have returned.
Evidenced as early as the fourth minute of the game against Orlando on Oct. 11, Jaylen Brown grabs a defensive rebound and a transition play begins. Hayward makes a run directly down the center of the court, with Brown in possession on the right side.
As Brown pushes the pace, Hayward fades slightly to the left side, allowing him to enter the Magic’s half in-line with the elbow. With the defense centered on Brown, where they are mostly concerned about his ability to drive, Hayward takes up position behind Enes Kanter, who has made the run too.
Brown spots Hayward cutting into the paint as D.J. Augustin picks up Marcus Smart on the weak-side corner, allowing Hayward a free run at the basket. Here is where Hayward shows his regained confidence and athletic ability, receiving the ball around the free-throw line and leaping for a two-handed dunk almost instantly.
I don't want to overreact because it is preseason, but I'm going to anyway: Gordon Hayward looks far more athletic than at any point last year. He's regularly beating good defenders off the dribble and looks a lot like the Jazz Hayward again.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 11, 2019
Dunking has not been his only showing of the powers that have now returned, he has been driving the lane more decisively too. During the game against Charlotte on Oct. 6, Hayward was driving at will, causing the defense to collapse in on him. Last year, he would have gotten rid of the ball to when the pressure was on; this year he seems ready to battle the giants.
By being more decisive and using his athletic gifts, Hayward can be a huge factor on the wing for the Boston Celtics this year. His playmaking ability creates mismatch nightmares for opposing teams on pick-and-roll sets, while his shot will continue to improve now he has his fitness back.
As the year progresses, Hayward will be required to carry more of the load on both ends of the floor. A player who has had the toughest two years of his career is finally looking back to himself, this could be the year fans finally get to see the Hayward they signed back in 2017.