Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens can afford to be hopeful and optimistic this season. After all, he has seen Gordon Hayward in practices and he can't help but be excited for what's next for his team.
The Athletic Boston Celtics reporter Jay King posted on his Twitter account that Stevens is impressed with his forward.
Brad Stevens said Gordon Hayward looks good. Said “you can’t tell anything” watching him play. I think that means the All-Star looks ready.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 4, 2018
He followed it up with a statement that could make any Celtics fans want the season to start now.
Brad Stevens said “its almost like you’re adding a brand new player to your team” regarding the excitement with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 4, 2018
The race to East supremacy is suddenly wide open with the departure of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers. While there is still the challenge of Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Wall and the new kid on the block Kawhi Leonard, analysts are picking Boston as one of the early title contenders this season.
Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are finally healthy and a year of playoff experience hardened Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, and Jaylen Brown. The task for Brad Stevens now is how to build up chemistry in his team. The team lost Hayward on their highly-anticipated first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers so it remains to be seen how he can incorporate himself again in the system of coach Stevens.
If there are any doubts if Gordon has finally recovered or not, Brad has this to say as reported by Jay King:
Gordon Hayward still not quite cleared for full go. Brad Stevens: "He’ll be cleared to go some 5-on-5 here very, very, very soon — like, any time soon."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 4, 2018
Gordon Hayward has to be physically and mentally ready before participating in 5-on-5 drills so it makes sense not to rush him. Before his season-ending leg injury, Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game playing for the Utah Jazz in the 2016-17 season. He is expected to help Boston in the frontcourt with Al Horford.
Follow Us
Subscribe