Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward is only averaging 10.5 points per game on the season and has looked very rusty after missing effectively the entire campaign last year. However, Phoenix Suns veteran shooting guard Jamal Crawford believes Hayward is still finding his rhythm on the court and will ultimately come up big in the playoffs for Boston.

Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured left ankle on opening night last year and underwent season-ending surgery. Mentally and physically, it's taking Hayward some time to get a feel for the game of basketball again, which was to be expected.

Jamal Crawford says Gordon Hayward is also adjusting to the new team he's playing with, but that the All-Star forward will be a weapon for the Celtics during the postseason:

Gordon Hayward began this season as a starter, but he has been coming off the bench since Nov. 19 because he was struggling with the first unit. In 16 games as a reserve, Hayward is averaging 10.9 points while shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from the 3-point line.

When you miss an entire year of basketball, there is no way you are going to come back and play at a high level against the best basketball players in the world right away. Jamal Crawford is right, though. Odds are that Gordon Hayward will knock off all the rust during the regular season and play better in the playoffs.