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Boston Celtics: 3 ways Gordon Hayward inspired the 2017-18 season

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics entered the season with two Top 3 picks with high ceilings.  The team ended the season with those two players extending towards those ceilings quicker than expected and that can be attributed to the injury of Gordon Hayward.

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics /

Boston Celtics

What both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum did this season were major reasons why the 2017-18 version of the Celtics came within a quarter of playing the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

The weight that were placed on their shoulders due to the injury showcased each players maturity and the range of talent each player has. While Brown was expected to make a leap from his rookie season to his second year in the NBA, the level in which he made that leap was due to his growing confidence throughout the season.

Entering the 2017-18 campaign, Jaylen Brown said he was coming, and the amount of minutes that opened up for him due to Hayward going down allowed him to showcase his growth, particularly in his outside shot and defensive effort.

As far as this year’s No. 3 overall pick Tatum, the injury threw him in the fire immediately and he responded.  Not only did he prove he is the real deal in the regular season, he stepped up during the team’s playoff run and established himself as a star on the rise.

Next: The 5 faces of the Boston Celtics: The coach, the stars and the future

Overall, while Gordon Hayward’s injury was devastating at the time, it may just have given the Boston Celtics a stronger chance to win their 18th championship in 2019.

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