Boston Celtics signed Gordon Hayward to a four-year max deal in 2017, counting on him to be the team’s next big superstar and to lead the franchise to the NBA title. It’s safe to say that things haven’t turn out as planned.
Hayward suffered a season-ending injury in his Celtics’ debut which significantly impacted his contribution to the team. After returning from the injury in 2018/19, he mightily struggled and wasn’t even close to the All-Star Boston signed. But things will be different this season if we are to believe the 29-year-old forward.
Hayward recently penned a letter to Boston Celtics’ fans in which he thanked them for the support in the past two years, while saying that he is “ready to be the player I came here to be.”
“On the court, I think that’s something that coach [Brad] Stevens was cautious about with me last year,” – wrote Hayward in a letter posted on his official blog. “He wanted to ease me into everything and make sure that I was healthy. Now, the reins are off. I’m ready to be the player I came here to be. That’s my focus. That and raising a banner at the [TD] Garden.
Hayward also talked about other topics, including the upcoming challenges for the Celtics, and dramatic roster changes that took place during the summer.
Hayward played 72 games in the past season, averaging 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. His production lowered in the playoffs, as he only had 9.6 points per game.
