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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
Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

A force on defense

Is being a force on defense asking too much of Hayward?

He’s always been a consistent defender, but there were certainly lapses in his return from injury last season. Understandable, considering the nature of explosive play in the NBA.

Hayward is likely not going to go out and win any defensive awards. But he’s always had heightened awareness and done a decent job on that side of the court. Getting back to the level of play he had in 2016-17, where he was in the top-20 in defensive shares, will get a lot of mileage for the Celtics.

Enes Kanter will handle duties in the middle and Marcus Smart will lock down the perimeter, but Hayward has a chance to step into the floor general role vacated by Horford. Hayward averaged over one steal per game in the three seasons leading to his free agency. He was very close to that last season, averaging just under one per game.

A more steady presence on the defensive end will hopefully get his rebounding back up. He averaged 4.5, down from 5.4 in his last full season.

dark. Next. Jaylen Brown's 3 keys to success in 2019-20 NBA season

Hayward can be a force on the defensive end. It may not show up in the stats, but if he helps Boston get back to the high-quality defense previously established under Steven, 2019-20 will be a successful season.

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