Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving believes teammate Gordon Hayward must assert himself in the game like he did when he was a star with the Utah Jazz.

The Celtics were expected to be the new kings of the East after LeBron James crossed over to the West with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, that is not how things have gone so far for the successful franchise. Irving pointed out that Hayward, who is back after a season-ending injury in his first game wearing the Celtics jersey last season, needs to be more aggressive with the ball.

“I remember Coach [K] telling me that Gordon has a little bit of that a**hole in him. And he needs that,” Irving said after their 128-95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday, per NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg. 

“That toughness, where he starts turning red and starts getting into the basketball … that’s the Gordon that we’re used to seeing.”

Hayward, an All-Star two seasons ago while with the Jazz, is averaging 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19 games this season. Against the Cavs, Hayward scored 14 points on nine field goal attempts off the bench. Brad Stevens moved Hayward to the bench several games ago to help him get in a rhythm.

These Irving comments come right after he told Hayward that he needs to look for his shot more and get aggressive. Hayward recently admitted he's still sometimes “lost” on the court as he tries to find his groove.

The Celtics are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with 12-10 record. Boston is back in action Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.