RealGM

The kid just exceeded the average player mark in PER for the first time in his career (currently 15.4), and seems to be figuring it out. His shooting %s are rising with every game, and he looks like he's finally developing that confidence level that will allow him to capitalize on his talents by being aggressive. He doesn't defer too much, and he's starting to realize that he is a high-level NBA athlete (seriously, I had no idea he had this type of leaping ability and body control).

So the guy is taking off. I think that's pretty clear. In two weeks he's gone from a PER of 12+ to one of 15+. If the only things he does different are a) become more aggressive/use more possessions and b) make more shots and post a TS in the 57% range, then he will become an 18 or 19 PER player, which is a borderline-star.


And this is a player who's selection in the draft was probably the hardest thing for me to swallow in my history as a Jazz fan. I'm happy to be proven wrong. Good job, KOC. And keep up the good work, Gordo.

In the last 6 games he has scored 20 or more 2 times, 10 or more 3 times and less than 10 1 time.
Every game above 50% FG.
Still 4 losses and 2 wins (1 of them when he scored 7 points)
Still, he is playing better, without any doubt.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... elog/2012/

Props to Raja Bell too.
After beggining playing like crap he is lately shooting pretty well, and he has avegares of 47% FG and 40% 3pt.

He has been the best player in the team for about the past six or seven games. This is the Hayward we've been waiting to see.

babyjax13 wrote:He has been the best player in the team for about the past six or seven games. This is the Hayward we've been waiting to see.

Exactly.....

babyjax13 wrote:He has been the best player in the team for about the past six or seven games. This is the Hayward we've been waiting to see.

Last night he was far and away the best player on the court. That game was simply astounding. True that Al had a beastly game, but it was Gordon that really opened things up for him. That's how this team needs to work to be successful.

Remember how many people were pissed that we drafted another un-athletic white guy? I think he's plenty athletic...

Glad to see folks are finally coming around.