Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward received a harsh welcome upon his return to Utah. His teammates, particularly Jayson Tatum, was ready for the Hayward boos thanks to playing college ball with former Duke teammate Grayson Allen.
Mass Live's Tom Westerholm wrote a column on Tatum's comments on the Jazz fans' unwelcoming treatment of Hayward.
“When I played in college, everybody used to boo Grayson,” Tatum said. “So I'm used to it.”
“They used to boo Grayson a lot,” he said. “But Grayson didn't mind. It didn't bother (Gordon). You just have to laugh it off.”
While it could be true that the Tatum and the Celtics were not affected by the boos directed at Hayward, the team still looked very sluggish during their 123-115 loss at the hands of the Jazz.
Hayward just shot nine shots in his awaited return to Utah, finishing with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Hayward could be in an unfamiliar ground last night as the 28-year old All-Star has been used to being loved by fans especially during his college stint with Butler.
On the other hand, Tatum had his point with Allen. Allen was often criticized for his dirty plays and cheap shots during games that almost all opposing teams' fans would boo him everytime Duke plays a road game. Now in the NBA, Allen is yet to crack a consistent spot in head coach Quin Snyder's rotation.
The Celtics are off to a slow start this season. Currently sitting on a 7-5 record, the team looks to return to their winning ways when they face Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers tomorrow night.
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