No. 43: Gordon Hayward
Speaking of playmakers, it’s great to see the Butler product still in the top 50, and his play before the hiatus supports that assessment. While the authors are correct to note Hayward’s diminished offensive game post-injury, they also fairly credit what he still does — and does very well.
“Hayward is shooting a remarkable 55.3 percent inside the arc,” note Bailey and Favale, “including 53.6 percent on pull-up two-pointers.” They also share the former Bulldog is in the 91st percentile in terms of efficiency with his spot-up possessions — roughly 20 % of his offensive game.
Gordon Hayward may be the ultimate competitor – but not at golf https://t.co/prWZE6RA4g
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 13, 2020
While stardom may be off the table for a post-injury Hayward as these two analysts suggest, it’s probably safe to say the former All-Star is still one of the best all-around scoring options in the East, and a key part of the Celtics’ playoff aspirations.