The Celtics may finally have the version of Gordon Hayward that they invested a four-year max deal in, writes Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. Two years ago, Hayward suffered a severe ankle injury that wiped out virtually his entire 2017/18 season and limited his effectiveness throughout 2018/19.
But through the first six games of this season, he seems back to his All-Star self, averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per night while emerging as the leader of Boston’s offense. The latest example came last night as he hit 17-of-20 shots from the field and posted 39 points in a win at Cleveland, then told reporters that he hopes to leave concerns about his ankle in the past.
“I don’t think about it,” Hayward said. “I haven’t thought about it for a while. Hopefully you guys can stop asking me questions about that.”
There’s more Celtics news to pass along:
- Some of Kemba Walker‘s former Hornets teammates shared their memories of him with Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer in advance of Walker’s return to Charlotte tomorrow night. Walker spent eight years in the city and set nearly every franchise scoring record before signing with the Celtics this summer. “If you didn’t know basketball, and you walked into our locker room, you wouldn’t guess that guy was the star,” Nicolas Batum said. “He never acted crazy with any of that star stuff, like skip practice or be lazy today.”
- With the G League season starting soon, fan favorite Tacko Fall will probably only make brief appearances with the Celtics, according to Tom Westerholm of MassLive. Fall is limited to 45 days in the NBA, and the team wants to maximize that time in case early-season injuries to its centers continue. “We’ve played multiple games now down two bigs,” coach Brad Stevens said. “So now we’re going to have him come up for one day (at a time) a lot I think, rather than a week at a time or two weeks at a time.”
- Marcus Smart had an injury scare during a collision last night, relays John Karalis of MassLive. “The oblique again, the exact same one, and it knocked the wind out of me,” Smart said in reference to the torn left oblique that limited his availability in last year’s playoffs. “It was scary because I thought the same thing was about to happen that happened last year. But thank God the oblique is stronger and it’s able to withstand hits like that, so that’s good.”
Celtics have no chance to win it all but they definitely have a shot for winning 50 plus games. Much more fun to watch this year as well.
I wouldn’t say no chance, they’ve got 2 all stars as long as Hayward is truly back and another potential all star in Tatum. 2 great perimeter defenders in Brown and Smart and Hayward is no slouch in the defense Dept. They need to make a move for rim protector. If they can do that they have to coaching and players to make a very deep run.
I like how the $100m man isn’t even a potential star.
Not sure who you’re referring too. The only 100 million dollar contract on the Celtics books is Walker. He’s a 3 time all-star
Jaylen Brown
Ok, got me there. Just don’t see it in Brown. I know they paid him cause they had to. You can’t let him walk for nothing or swallow a poison pill contract in free agency. Just don’t see him as a great player. An Otto Porter that can’t shoot.
Being an All-Star in the eastern conference doesn’t mean a whole lot these days. About all you have to do it score at least 15 PPG.
Tatum’s averaging 21 and 7.5 with a .429fgp from the behind the arc
Celtics are very average but love how the league and fans are hyping them up.
They lost to Philly in the opener, just beat the Raptors who are trying to figure things out without Leonard and Gasol played bad that game. They beat the Knicks then beat the Bucks. I’ll give them credit win against the bucks that’s good. They then beat the Knicks again and Cavs (two of the leagues worst teams) in close games won by 2 points and 6 points. Hayward played a blinder to beat the Cavs otherwise they lose.
Losing Kyrie and getting Kemba is a downgrade, they replaced Horford with Kanter, replaced Rozier with a fringe first rounder, replaced Morris with another fringe first rounder, gave up Baynes and got undrafted Tacko.
Then they overpay Jaylen Brown even tho Marcus Smart is better and plays the same role.
When the make the playoffs in the easier east and finish 4/5 seed and have to play round one against a improving Nets, Pacers or Raptors team they won’t make it into the second round. But continue to hype them up
Not a Celtics fan, my loyalties lie in Salt Lake. Just calling it like I see it. Celtics make at least the 2nd round and can give anybody in the east a run for their money. Just don’t think they can beat the Clippers, Lakers or Jazz in a best of 7
Can’t see them stopping the 6ers, Bucks and a bunch of other teams. Any team with a good big man should have a day at the office
What does “average” mean to you? The Celtics are obviously better than average.
Really???
Yes. You both need a dictionary.
You failed to mentioned their 3 injured or limited bigs in the closer games. I see no drop off in talent between Kyrie and Kemba. I know everyone says the talent level between the two is huge. Kemba fits this system much better than Kyrie did and his stats reflect that.
Improving Nets? Have you seen their record?
Continue to tear them down and we’ll see where they end up.
Why trolls like you comment on a team they don’t like is beyond me.