Charlotte Hornets swingman Gordon Hayward is starting to ease himself into his new team after recently engaging in a sign-and-trade deal from the Boston Celtics. The veteran recently spoke about his first impressions regarding his rookie teammate in LaMelo Ball and only had positive things to say for the 19-year-old and his game.
“He’s taller than I expected,” Hayward said via NESN. “I didn’t realize he was as tall as he was. I’m excited about playing with him. He seems like someone that can really play-make for others and really get others involved, as well as score for himself. But he seems like he has a natural feel for the game, can do a little bit of everything. Like I said, the height really helps with that. He’ll be able to see over the defense and have that vision.”
Contrary to his previous situation in Boston, Hayward will most likely find himself in a primary role once again on the Hornets after being overshadowed by his younger teammates. He was previously relegated to the backseat in their rotation as he played fourth banana behind the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker.
After three seasons, Hayward finds himself on the move once again and Ball's arrival will hopefully help ease the transition for the former All-Star. Both players will be relied on to handle the playmaking duties alongside a promising scorer in Devonte' Graham and veteran Terry Rozier.
The addition of Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball is expected by many to be a pivotal moment for Charlotte as the Hornets aim to end their years of mediocrity and finally make it back to the postseason picture for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. It remains to be seen just how successful that bid is going to turn out.
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