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Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward’s 3 keys to success in 2019-20 NBA season

By Jason Haskins

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 21: Kyrie Irving #11 ,Marcus Morris #13 and Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the 110-106 win over the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 21: Kyrie Irving #11 ,Marcus Morris #13 and Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the 110-106 win over the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Finding a modicum of consistency will be key for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20 and a rejuvenated Gordon Hayward should provide exactly that.

In many ways, the Boston Celtics will be approaching the 2019-20 NBA season with a clean slate. Some players are have left, some are ready to take the next step, and others, like Gordon Hayward, are hoping for a return to All-Star form.

Back in the summer of 2017, all eyes were on the Celtics. Dreams of multiple NBA titles were forged as Boston coupled Al Horford and a collection of young talent with free agent acquisitions Kyrie Irving and Hayward.

That all seemed like a lifetime ago.

Horford and Irving have both moved on in hopes for greener pastures on new teams.

This leaves Hayward as the veteran to lead the pack in 2019 as he continues on the road back from the serious injury he suffered at the start of 2017.

Hayward’s 2018-19 was one of growing pains; slow steps in the cautious rebuilding of bringing him back to full speed. There were certain expected frustrations, as anyone expecting him to look like he did back as a member of the Utah Jazz held misplaced hope.

Still, even as Hayward was sometimes given an undefined role and he dealt with struggles, there were flashes of his old style of play. The numbers dropped off, averaging only 11.5 points in just under 26 minutes per game. Rebounds were slightly down and he struggled with his three-point shot, connecting on only 33.3 percent.

Hayward finished strong, however, and did end up shooting 46.6 percent from the field on the season, including 55.1 percent in 19 games after the All-Star break.

With Hayward fully healed, here are three keys to success for Hayward in the 2019-20 NBA season.

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