NBA Rumors: Did Gordon Hayward Rush His Return To Boston?

Coming back from a gruesome injury is something any player would be hardpressed to overcome. Gordon Hayward surprised many with an early return from that forgettable 2017 NBA season-opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it seems that his move is backfiring.

Although most would laud his early return, it remains that it is not only his physical well-being that matters. Hayward is a prime piece for the Boston Celtics, someone who can do damage on both ends of the floor when 100-percent healthy. For Celtics followers, that has not happened this 2018-19 NBA season, with the 28-year-old clearly having one horrific NBA season.

In fact, one unnamed player from the Golden State Warriors came out to the open to say that Hayward has become more of a liability for the Celtics, the CLNS Media Network reported. The mystery player was quoted as saying that "Gordon Hayward is not Gordon Hayward right now" and that for him, the Celtics need to make a move.

Initially, making a move would lead many to think of an NBA trade. But in the case of Hayward, it seems more like minimizing his exposure is needed until Hayward is able to fully get his act together. It not only covers the physical side of things but also the mental aspect on the part of the ninth overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Hayward signed a four-year deal with the Celtics worth $127.8 million back in 2017. He is fully aware of his atrocious performance and said that he does get bothered by his ankle injury.

“I think most of that is probably from a lack of confidence in going to the basket and challenging bigs — especially at the beginning of the year,” Hayward told the Bleacher Report recently. “I think that’s the last part that’s not all the way back yet.

As of this writing, the Celtics find themselves at the fifth spot of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 31-19 win-loss card. They are just a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers, but they were pre-season favorites to lord it over the Eastern division. So far, it has been the Milwaukee Bucks leading the pack.

If last year is to be revisited, the Celtics made strides with their lineup without Hayward. Head coach Brad Stevens may want to adjust Hayward's playing time and place him on a minutes restriction. He could also opt to sit out Hayward for some games, allowing him to get his act together and hopefully in time for the NBA playoffs.