Gordon Hayward (who recently retired) was a well-rounded player who was able to do everything on the offensive end.
If the team needed a bucket, he was able to get them one.
If the team needed boards, he was able to grab some.
And if they needed playmaking, well, he was also able to get that done as well.
For instance, there was this one game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during his Boston Celtics days when he went off and led them to victory.
It was November 2019 and the Celtics were rolling. They hadn’t lost since the first game of the season and Hayward was feeling himself this particular day.
In the first quarter, he made all seven of his shot attempts for 16 points. He also dished out 2 assists and grabbed 2 rebounds.
By the end of the game, he recorded 39 points (his season high) on 85 percent shooting, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.
The Celtics beat the Cavs 119-113.
Final Thoughts
Hayward was a skilled all-around wing.
But he was injury-prone after suffering a major injury in his late 20s and this affected the number of awards he received and, in a way, his teams’ success.
In his 14-year career, he was selected to be an All-Star once (2017) and only made the playoffs five times.
Regardless, he was still a talented player who amassed many fans.
And for that, we say thank you!
He has career averages of 15.2 points on 45.5 percent shooting, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1 steal.
Quote of the Week
“Don't let talent get in way of team performance. Great players do what's outstanding for team, not what makes them stand out.”
-Jerry West
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