Fool Me Twice: The Gordon Hayward Thread

KembaWalker · Post #941 » by **KembaWalker** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 2:37 am

and don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'm getting waive and stretch Batum vibes yet, more like 2016 Batum vibes where I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that we're gonna need 3 players that are solidly better than this guy that we're paying 1st option money if we ever wanna win a playoff series vibes, which is where I was at in 2016 with Batum

Snidely FC · Post #942 » by **Snidely FC** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Zach Lowe this week on Hayward:

6. Go up strong, Gordon Hayward!

Hayward's emphatic go-ahead, dunk over De'Aaron Fox on Monday stood out because it was somewhat against type. Hayward can get tentative around the rim when a strong take might at least earn him free throws.

At times, it's understandable. Hayward overflows with midrange craft; he can slam on the brakes, pivot, and spin into fadeaways. The Charlotte Hornets are clearly coaching guys to pass out of contested finishes if they see an open 3-point shooter.

But Hayward could probably exchange at least one midrange shot per game for something closer to paydirt -- a layup attempt, or one more dribble that might unlock a profitable drop-off. He sometimes appears to decide early that he's passing:

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/gifs/mp4/dm_210316_NBA_Kings_v_Hornets_3_15_2021_2gif.mp4

Take that over and through Harrison Barnes! (Also: Get out of the way, Cody Zeller! How fun would the Hornets be with a center who could do, like, anything with the ball? They are looking for one, league sources said.)

Give me more of the Hayward who abuses point guards on switches:

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/gifs/mp4/dm_210316_NBA_Kings_v_Hornets_3_15_2021_001_2gif.mp4

Post #943 » by **JDR720** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 6:35 pm

Read on Twitter

CuseMayne · Post #944 » by **CuseMayne** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 6:42 pm

This is about as brutal as it gets

Post #945 » by **yosemiteben** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 7:03 pm

#JustHornetsThings

Post #946 » by **BigSlam** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 7:09 pm

**** me.

Rich4114 · Post #947 » by **Rich4114** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 7:16 pm

Son of a bitch!

Liver_Pooty · Post #948 » by **Liver_Pooty** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 7:16 pm

We just can't have nice things

Soul Rebel · Post #949 » by **Soul Rebel** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 7:20 pm

Damnit.

Any chance we bring in McLemore?

Post #950 » by **JDR720** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 8:16 pm

Luckily we traded for a top-tier injury lawyer.

Rich4114 · Post #951 » by **Rich4114** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 8:20 pm

How do we stay afloat now? We are basically the 2020 Hornets.

Bassman · Post #952 » by **Bassman** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 8:27 pm

Sad to hear this. Gordo has been a strong mainstay for us, more than a glue guy but willing to contribute versus pushing the “I am a star give me the ball”. At some point the formula is broken. I have no doubt this team will battle hard, but this hurts. Would have been easier had we gotten a strong 5 to help our weaknesses.

Post #953 » by **yosemiteben** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 8:44 pm

Graham is certainly going to have the opportunity to shoot his way out of his slump or bury himself in it. Monk also will have shots galore when he gets back.

Hornet Mania · Post #954 » by **Hornet Mania** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 10:14 pm

Rich4114 wrote:How do we stay afloat now? We are basically the 2020 Hornets.

I think we barely stay afloat, even as the 2020 Hornets. Probably need to win about 1/3 of the remaining games to cling to 10th, that seems doable even without Gordo and Ball. The biggest advantage is the rest of the East play-in field is also playing like crap and/or injury riddled.

If we can't keep our heads above water so be it, it means a 30% chance of a top 4 pick.

BlackOutBuzz · Post #955 » by **BlackOutBuzz** » Sat Apr 3, 2021 10:35 pm

Yeah I think we're still a play-in team... maybe not talent-wise but we're likely far enough ahead to hang on.

What sucks is I think it's clear now - sans injuries - this is a top 6 team in the east.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Liver_Pooty · Post #956 » by **Liver_Pooty** » Sun Apr 4, 2021 3:45 am

Graham has been in a shooting slump for 2 years. I still think we end up the 6 seed.

Rich4114 · Post #957 » by **Rich4114** » Sun Apr 4, 2021 12:37 pm

I’m thinking it’s gotta be Miles and PJ who step up. Those guys have the physical abilities to do it.

Post #958 » by **BigSlam** » Sun Apr 4, 2021 1:10 pm

Rich4114 wrote:I’m thinking it’s gotta be Miles and PJ who step up. Those guys have the physical abilities to do it.

You’re kidding yourself.

Those two aren’t natural scorers like Gordo is or can create their own offence like Gordo does.

It’s really comes down to Terry and Tae carrying us this next month.

Post #959 » by **yosemiteben** » Sun Apr 4, 2021 2:24 pm

Liver_Pooty wrote:Graham has been in a shooting slump for 2 years.

Post-ASB this season (13 games) he's shooting 41.4% FG, 42% from 3 on 8 attempts, and 97% FT. His TS% during that time period is second on the team behind only Miles.

That's a hell of a slump.

Liver_Pooty · Post #960 » by **Liver_Pooty** » Sun Apr 4, 2021 3:17 pm

yosemiteben wrote:
Liver_Pooty wrote:Graham has been in a shooting slump for 2 years.

Post-ASB this season (13 games) he's shooting 41.4% FG, 42% from 3 on 8 attempts, and 97% FT. His TS% during that time period is second on the team behind only Miles.

That's a hell of a slump.

Hes been solid since the all star break I'll give him that. 13 games doesn't epitomize a season and a half unfortunately. Hopefully he keeps it up. I'll just say that he's been in a shooting slump for 3/4 of the last 2 seasons.