Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is excited about the playoffs. Despite what has been a disappointing stint with the team so far, the former All-Star is determined to redeem himself to the league and the fans:
Hayward will have plenty of opportunities to show what he's capable of, especially since starting small forward Marcus Smart is going to miss their first-round matchup with the Indiana Pacers with an oblique injury.
Hayward came off an All-Star season with the Utah Jazz when he decided to sign a four-year deal with the Celtics back in 2017. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending leg injury in the first game of that season and missed Boston's playoff run that reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hayward returned this season but struggled to regain his form. Still, the Celtics have complete confidence in him, and he has been coming on strong over the last month or two.
There is no guarantee how well Hayward will perform in the postseason, but with Boston needing every single person on the roster to step up in Smart's absence, he is one of the few guys really needed to elevate his game.
If the playoffs are one of the main reasons why Gordon Hayward came to Boston, it's time for him to deliver.