Gordon Hayward Thread

[celtxman]

Wonder when people will turn on him after his likely slow start? I predict it's by Halloween that we'll see stuff like he'll never be the same again, etc. Just prepping myself for it.

There is definite concern and we don’t have to wait till Halloween for it. That’s different from turning on him. Right or wrong there were those including in the Celtics organization that thought he might play at the end of last year. Until he plays at a high level,similar to what Paul George was able to get back there will be nervousness

No. There weren't. Brad maintained all year long that Hayward would not be back last season. The only people who thought Hayward had a shot of returning were hopeful Celtics fans.

“I don’t even want to go there. I’m not sure. That’s just all speculation,” Ainge said when asked if he could just come back in the postseason if he’s healthy. “Gordon – he didn’t rule it out – but we’re all just sort of are not putting any pressure. We’re just letting the course take itself and we’ll see what happens. But he’s coming along quickly.” Did they put Ainge on some sort of sabbatical in the middle of last season and therefore was just a hopeful Celtics fan? This is the definition of "might" come back from the President of the Celtics organization. Ainge was hopeful just like everybody else because everybody's body is different - nothing wrong with him or the fans. From Mike Gorman, I think he is working out with the idea that he can be ready by the end of the season. Whether they want to activate him, whether they want to play him or not, that’s a whole different question. But I truly believe that before the playoffs are over, we’ll see him in a Celtics uniform. I just believe it. I would get more quotes, but I would rather get the 5 minutes back in my life I wasted finding these quotes. You should have spent those same five minutes before refuting a truth.

[Valid]

There is definite concern and we don’t have to wait till Halloween for it. That’s different from turning on him. Right or wrong there were those including in the Celtics organization that thought he might play at the end of last year. Until he plays at a high level,similar to what Paul George was able to get back there will be nervousness

No. There weren't. Brad maintained all year long that Hayward would not be back last season. The only people who thought Hayward had a shot of returning were hopeful Celtics fans.

“I don’t even want to go there. I’m not sure. That’s just all speculation,” Ainge said when asked if he could just come back in the postseason if he’s healthy. “Gordon – he didn’t rule it out – but we’re all just sort of are not putting any pressure. We’re just letting the course take itself and we’ll see what happens. But he’s coming along quickly.” Did they put Ainge on some sort of sabbatical in the middle of last season and therefore was just a hopeful Celtics fan? This is the definition of "might" come back from the President of the Celtics organization. Ainge was hopeful just like everybody else because everybody's body is different - nothing wrong with him or the fans. From Mike Gorman, I think he is working out with the idea that he can be ready by the end of the season. Whether they want to activate him, whether they want to play him or not, that’s a whole different question. But I truly believe that before the playoffs are over, we’ll see him in a Celtics uniform. I just believe it. I would get more quotes, but I would rather get the 5 minutes back in my life I wasted finding these quotes. You should have spent those same five minutes before refuting a truth.

Lmfao. And where in that quote did Ainge say ANYTHING about thinking Hayward was going to come back? Mike Gorman, who was basically speaking as a fan, said it. NO ONE in the Celtics' organization said anything about Hayward coming back.

I suggest you go look up Brad's quotes about Hayward definitely not returning last year before trying to be a smartass, especially because your quotes proved absolutely nothing.

As a matter of fact, here you go. Literally took me ONE search, which took all of one or two seconds:

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/03/03/gordon-hayward-injury-status-not-returning-brad-stevens-boston-celtics

[celtxman]

No. There weren't. Brad maintained all year long that Hayward would not be back last season. The only people who thought Hayward had a shot of returning were hopeful Celtics fans.

“I don’t even want to go there. I’m not sure. That’s just all speculation,” Ainge said when asked if he could just come back in the postseason if he’s healthy. “Gordon – he didn’t rule it out – but we’re all just sort of are not putting any pressure. We’re just letting the course take itself and we’ll see what happens. But he’s coming along quickly.” Did they put Ainge on some sort of sabbatical in the middle of last season and therefore was just a hopeful Celtics fan? This is the definition of "might" come back from the President of the Celtics organization. Ainge was hopeful just like everybody else because everybody's body is different - nothing wrong with him or the fans. From Mike Gorman, I think he is working out with the idea that he can be ready by the end of the season. Whether they want to activate him, whether they want to play him or not, that’s a whole different question. But I truly believe that before the playoffs are over, we’ll see him in a Celtics uniform. I just believe it. I would get more quotes, but I would rather get the 5 minutes back in my life I wasted finding these quotes. You should have spent those same five minutes before refuting a truth.

Lmfao. And where in that quote did Ainge say ANYTHING about thinking Hayward was going to come back? Mike Gorman, who was basically speaking as a fan, said it. NO ONE in the Celtics' organization said anything about Hayward coming back.

I suggest you go look up Brad's quotes about Hayward definitely not returning last year before trying to be a smartass, especially because your quotes proved absolutely nothing.

As a matter of fact, here you go. Literally took me ONE search, which took all of one or two seconds:

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/03/03/gordon-hayward-injury-status-not-returning-brad-stevens-boston-celtics

You win - you wore me out - Ainge didn't even imply the word "might" when asked by a reporter. You proved it all. Moving on

[Homerclease]

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[K For Three]

Appreciate everyone keeping up with the Gordons hurt/working his way back threads the past year but it's time to talk about Gordon's role on the basketball court and his future impact as a leader of this team.

We pined for his playmaking ability last year and sure enough we damn sure still need it. He is rounding into form physically, probably another month to go, maybe a bit more before the explosion, lift and confidence are solid (and longer still to truly finish the process of recovery), and still a minutes restriction which in turn is ****** up rotations, but I see him, Al and Kyrie as the most important pieces of this team just like we thought in the first place. The notions of "we'll take what we can get" and ok if he's some form of a role player chatter have lingered too long and its time to stop tempering expectations. If we are going to succeed, we will need the Gordon we paid for and by damn it I do believe that's the Gordon we'll get sooner than not.

We were all robbed of the opportunity to see what a Gordon led team would look like last year and with so many cats now out of the bag we may have forgotten that we signed a legit all-star level 2nd option player in his prime. His role is going to be huge once he is physically capable of shouldering the load and feels fully recovered. Incredibly smart and centered player. Too much talk about the other guys, especially the young guys. They'll be fine. Tatum will be a star and major contributor this year but for all his talent he is still young and show its, Brown is going to figure his **** out. Once Gordon is fully back this team is going to be steamrolling opponents. So for that we need to be patient still, he's been an afterthought so far and we're underselling what he's going to bring to this team because of this horrific injury and its long aftermath. But it's coming, I can see it already.

My bold prediction for the playoffs is that Gordon will be the Celtics BEST all around player. Kyrie second then Tatum/Al.

I lied. I still expect Irving to be the best player for the playoffs.

I am REALLY rooting for Gordon though. Still he is not there yet, not quite. I have seen progress, but he's definitely not yet the old Gordon.

Thoughts?

I am pretty patient with him though and think it's going to be a while. I just am not sure what to expect at times from him.....

[ddb]

Let's be clear. Gordon isn't even close to being 100%. He says his ankle is sore every day, his timing is off, his confidence isn't there, and he's not being aggressive. All to be expected coming off the injury and missed year. The good news is that he's getting better and finding ways to contribute.
I'm excited to see Gordon down the stretch and in the playoffs. That's when I expect him to be close, or fully back to the All-Star Gordon Hayward. As I said before the season, think of Gordon as a really good role player on a minutes restriction for the first half of the season.

[GuyClinch]

It's not clear we will ever get all-star Hayward back.. We are just going to have to wait it out. I am curious to see how is after the all-star break..

[the sea duck]

We may never get All Star Gordon Hayward back, but I think that depends more on the team and how much they have to share the ball. Other than Kyrie no one is going to be able to take over the offense night in and night out.

As for getting prime Gordon Hayward back (All Star caliber), that could happen as early as this season, though not for at least a few months, and maybe not until the playoffs.

[CeltsfaninDC]

Guys, Kyrie looked like Kyrie last night. Let’s give Gordon some time to get back fully before we bury him. ddb has a great point above: He’s sore and on min restriction now. Lets judge this in Feb/Mar when he might actually be back at 100%

[babyjax13]

I think people are rushing to conclusions with him. What I'm seeing is the same talented guy that just needs to get in game shape and get some confidence that his ankle is going to hold up. He's still an incredibly player - just give it time (I'd gladly take him back, lol).

[jmr07019]

The game against the Bucks was reallly encouraging. I was worried before that and still am but to a lesser extent. His shot finally fell and his decision making has been solid this year. I would like to see the ball in his hands more frankly.

[ddb]

18pts 5asst 4rebs in 27 mins is a nice game for Gordon. That'll end up being his per game averages next season once his mins go up a bit and he's feeling healthier. This year he will likely be more in the 14-15ppg range with

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[OldCeltics]

Let me finish that for you

18pts 5asst 4rebs in 27 mins is a nice game for Gordon. That'll end up being his per game averages next season once his mins go up a bit and he's feeling healthier. This year he will likely be more in the 14-15ppg range with a hot wife at home cheering him on

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[GuyClinch]

Yeah Bucks game - was really the first game where you thought damn this guy is talented - if you didn't watch the Utah stuff..IMHO. So lets hope he builds from that..Maybe Jaylen out will help get him going more..

[K For Three]

He still experiences ankle pain at times apparently, but he says he finally realizes he can push through it and all will be OK, he's getting the yips out. Just a matter of more time and conditioning.

What I noticed the last few games though is what a smart as hell player Gordon is, it's so underrated. And nobody on the team may know what Brad wants as well as Gordon.
He makes Kyrie a better player too IMO and he makes Al's life a lot easier on the court at times. Actually this recent game against the Bucks made me realize there is a reason Kyrie and Gordon almost paired up in Cleveland, they compliment each other....perfectly.

One thing I personally feel about this season's team, is that while we all love "the kids".....IMO yes we are going to have to run through our big veteran 3 a lot in the playoffs down the road. And Morris is becoming that crucial veteran now off the bench too. You won't have a snowballs chance in hell IMO of defeating a team like the Warriors or hanging with them at least without a smart veteran cast. The young guys are important, but the vets are more important IMO if this team is to go where they need to this year.

[Valid]

He still experiences ankle pain at times apparently, but he says he finally realizes he can push through it and all will be OK, he's getting the yips out. Just a matter of more time and conditioning.

What I noticed the last few games though is what a smart as hell player Gordon is, it's so underrated. And nobody on the team may know what Brad wants as well as Gordon.
He makes Kyrie a better player too IMO and he makes Al's life a lot easier on the court at times. Actually this recent game against the Bucks made me realize there is a reason Kyrie and Gordon almost paired up in Cleveland, they compliment each other....perfectly.

One thing I personally feel about this season's team, is that while we all love "the kids".....IMO yes we are going to have to run through our big veteran 3 a lot in the playoffs down the road. And Morris is becoming that crucial veteran now off the bench too. You won't have a snowballs chance in hell IMO of defeating a team like the Warriors or hanging with them at least without a smart veteran cast. The young guys are important, but the vets are more important IMO if this team is to go where they need to this year.

There is absolutely, positively going to be a playoff game this year where Hayward goes absolutely nuts and just takes over. I don't know when it is going to be; first round, second round, conference finals, finals, whatever. But it is going to happen.

[GuyClinch]

If we want to beat the Warrior we have to really shoot lights out from 3 - so that means Hayward, Kyrie, Tatum and Brown just bombing out there - with decent 3 ball defense on Thompson and Curry. People don't like it but the Warriors are the blueprint of the modern NBA - lots of 3s mixed in with easy 2s if the defense over commits.

All the players on the c's have to know this. I think they get sucked into being 'old school' sometimes and settle for contested 2s.

[Bostonic33]

I watched the highlights of the Bucks game and specifically only watched Gordon on and off ball actions. It struck to me he was making a lot of good decisions. He is capable of making 3 point shots with a defender right on him. He was excellent at moving the ball. And he is surprisingly good at defense... except when guarding Giannis... then again, who is? I can hardly wait until he is 100% and can take over games.

[truth18]

Hot take: Smeathers is a hack.

[aim2please]

Hot take: Smeathers is a hack.

Smeathers? Is that Gordon's trainer? Context?