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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 22, 2019 11:06:05 GMT -5
Reading other boards and hearing their thoughts on Hayward, it’s as if his ankle is still dangling off of his leg and they just don’t know if he’ll ever be the same.
Huh? Didn’t Gordon play most of last season? Didn’t he have some good games, even some outstanding games, even in the playoffs? Sure he had some stinkers, but who didn’t? By the second half of the year, he was moving around really well, having stretches of good games, being used as a facilitator and looking like the Hayward of old. That was his first year back from his injury, and as Paul George says, it’ll take a year to get back to normal.
And as we speak, Hayward is tirelessly in the gym working out like a madman.
Ladies and gentlemen, Gordon Hayward is back, no question about it. Let’s stop saying we don’t know if he’ll ever come back from his injury. I think he showed many times last year that he did — only thing missing was consistency (which he’ll prove this season).
If Hayward doesn’t make the All-Star team this year, it won’t be because he’s not good. It could be that with other good players around him (Kemba, Tatum) he won’t need to carry the team like he did at Utah.
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Post by runrondo on Jul 22, 2019 11:17:38 GMT -5
My concern was always that it's not like he was a consistent allstar to begin with. He had one all-star appearance and got paid. Doesn't mean that he's not a great player or that he's not a perfect player for Brad. Just adds fuel to the fire of doubt about him being good enough to be our 2nd best player if Tatum/others are not progressing or good enough.
Ankle wise, I can't imagine there's any repercussions so long after and a full season played? It'd have to be mental at this point.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 22, 2019 15:40:08 GMT -5
Yes, it is mental, and Hayward said that is the biggest hurdle.
Hayward will never average 25+ ppg, and that’s because he’s not going to take 18 - 20 shot attempts per game. He’s like Horford in that regard — they pass up shots if they see a teammate open. Not because he’s afraid, but because he’s unselfish.
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Post by Roadrunner on Jul 22, 2019 18:20:23 GMT -5
I think if Hayward was not a max contract player, there would be no discussion. I saw enough of Hayward last year to indicate to me that he is progressing fine. I would not be surprised he is an all-star again this season.
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Post by jmost on Jul 22, 2019 18:54:28 GMT -5
I think there is so much less pressure on GH this year. First, the expectations for the team are lower. Second, he doesn't have a guy like TR3 not hiding the fact that he thought he should be getting Gordon's minutes, and shots. He also doesn't have Kyrie telling the world how great a shooter he is, and by extension, how HE should be taking the bulk of the shots. It had to be hard for GH and Jaylen to feel free out there. Some guys (Smart) have no conscience, and aren't bothered by that stuff, but some are. I expect everyone to have better seasons this year. Finally, GH goes into camp knowing he's healthy, and doesn't have to worry about his leg holding up.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 22, 2019 19:58:26 GMT -5
Agree to all you said. And like to add that Hayward will get to run the offense more, without Kyrie. This is good for us in many facets.
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Post by eja117 on Jul 23, 2019 8:00:31 GMT -5
With Kawhi in LA I seriously hope Hayward, or possibly Tatum can be a top 3 sf in the East. The only ones I see as all that much better are I guess Giannis, Ben Simmons, and Jimmy Butler. I suppose Hayward could be more of a sg. I guess this year that would put him up against Beal and LaVine, and maybe at the end of the year Oladipo.
If Oladipo is better at the end of the year than Hayward we have a problem.
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Post by afceltic on Jul 23, 2019 9:30:04 GMT -5
Simmons is hot garbage and grossly overrated and I would take anyone on your list than him and I could probably find a few more that you didn't list if I looked into it.
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Post by DERRENMATTS on Jul 23, 2019 12:28:06 GMT -5
Simmons is hot garbage and grossly overrated and I would take anyone on your list than him and I could probably find a few more that you didn't list if I looked into it. Only thing is, the All-Star selections are based on fans’ balloting, and fans love flashy players and big names. If we play winning basketball, our players will get noticed, and we’re going to see that leading the way will be Hayward, Kemba and Tatum.
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Post by Roadrunner on Jul 24, 2019 18:12:04 GMT -5
In recent years, teams that are higher in the standings get rewarded more all-star selections.
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