NBA Rumors: Gordon-Kanter Duo Bringing All That Jazz To Boston

Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics seems pretty much pumped up even though his team lost some key players. They do have a couple of new faces in the mix in Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter. Ironically, the 29-year-old forward teamed up with the Turkish big man when both suited up for the Utah Jazz from 2011-15.

Both were still wet behind the ears at the time and Hayward knows that their reunion on the court will render different things. The NBA All-Star has seen the improvements in Kanter's game and now he is excited to see how both can help the Celtics starting this 2019-20 NBA season, NBC Sports reported.

"When Enes and I were playing together we were both a lot younger, and things were definitely a little different. I've watched his game grow up as he's been around the league with different teams," said Hayward.

But other than the fact that Kanter has proven to be one of the regular junkyard dogs in the NBA, it is the energy he brings which Hayward wants to see. It remains to be seen, however, if Kanter would be enough to make up for the loss of Al Horford and Aron Baynes.

"Everyone's going to love his energy that he brings. He's one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, so that's going to be a no-doubt. He's gotten really good at that half-roll area and making decisions in there. And also, in a game that doesn't have many post players, he's a bucket on the block -- he always has been. Someone you can go to for a bucket, especially if there's a mismatch," added Hayward.

The Celtics are bound to experience improved offensive rebounding from Kanter, someone who has proven he can be scrappy when needed. he ranked fifth in the NBA last season with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game. If head coach Brad Stevens fits him in perfectly, then the Celtics could be one of the overlooked teams in the Eastern Conference.

As for Hayward, he too will also be under the radar. With Irving gone, he is expected to be one of the leaders for the Celtics this season. After a forgettable first-year where he suffered a broken leg, it appears the 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft has successfully gotten over that, USA Today reported.

“Reps is what gives you confidence. So being able to do things over and over and over and not worry about how my ankle’s feeling, or having to be cautious with it, has been really good, especially for my confidence,” said Hayward.