Boston Celtics: Can pitch to Gordon Hayward lead to free agency home run?
The Boston Celtics gave their best pitch to superstar free agent Gordon Hayward on Sunday. Will it be enough to deliver them this year’s prize?
The waiting game has begun for free agent Gordon Hayward. On Sunday, the Boston Celtics hosted the star forward in an attempt to lure him away from the Utah Jazz and from the clutches of Pat Reilly and the Miami Heat.
The visit set off with a trip to Fenway Park where Hayward and his wife, Robyn, were greeted with big message on the Jumbotron that read “Welcome to Boston Gordon & Robyn.”
In an attempt to keep things simple, the prize of the free agent class was presented with a three-minute video on the experience of playing in Boston. The highlights of the video included the history of the Celtics as well as a message from David Ortiz.
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Clearly, the Celtics were selling the winning tradition of the city as well as the fan support. Unlike other cities with winning traditions, Boston has teams in the four major sports that support one another. That is the one thing joining the green and white can offer Hayward that neither Utah or Miami can.
Of course, the team is also counting on Gordon Hayward’s past relationship with head coach Brad Stevens to add influence. Stevens personally picked Hayward and his wife up at the airport and ultimately played a big role in presenting his former Butler University recruit and player how he will fit on a team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
No decision timeline
Gordon Hayward will meet with the Utah Jazz Monday in San Diego. While there were reports that he could have a decision by Monday night, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reported that Hayward wants to take some time to regroup.
Source says Gordon Hayward isn't locked into any timeline on deciding. Wants to get through meeting with Jazz today and then will regroup.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 3, 2017
Described as loyal, the All-Star forward was never expected to come to a quick decision. All three teams can offer Hayward with a good opportunity. It will all come down to which team gives him the best chance to build on his legacy.
Related Story: Gordon Hayward could break the hearts of Boston Celtics fans
Jaylen Brown’s opinion
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown believes the team that gives Hayward the best opportunity is his own team of course.
"“I think we’re a better fit,” Brown said via the Sun Sentinel. “I think Gordon wants to win right away. I think Miami’s a nice city, but I think Boston has a rich history and basketball culture, and I think if he wants to add to his legacy, I think he’ll come to the Celtics.”"
Time will tell wether or not Gordon Hayward feels the same way.
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