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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) /

Scoring

Before the gruesome injury that ended Hayward’s 2017-18 season after not even a full quarter, his scoring had been on the rise in previous seasons.

Hayward averaged 19 points or more starting in 2014. This topped off at 21.9 during his last season in Utah.

Even if he were slotted as a starter, it’s hard to imagine  Hayward topping that mark overall. He did put up 30 or more points three times last season, including a season-high 35 in January against Minnesota.

Related Story. Boston Celtics 2018-19 player grades: Gordon Hayward flashed greatness. light

But expecting 22 points a game from Hayward might be a stretch.

For the Celtics to find success in 2019-20, the high end of hopes could see Hayward averaging 18-20 points per game. If he’s doing that, especially if given the role of first player off the bench, Boston will be more than a threat to win the East.

A truer hope will be that of Hayward putting up 16-18 points per game, which can be attained, especially if he shoots around 50 percent from the field. Walker will likely score over 20 per game. And if Brown and Tatum continue to improve, they could each push 20 points as well, taking some of the pressure off of Hayward.

Meaning Hayward can put some of that energy into his game on the defensive end.

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