Boston Celtics: One bold prediction for Gordon Hayward in 2019-20

The Boston Celtics enter training camp with more questions than answers and one of those questions is whether Gordon Hayward can regain his All-Star form.

With Kyrie Irving taken his talents to Brooklyn and Al Horford spurning the team for life in Philadelphia, the Boston Celtics will enter the 2019-20 NBA season with a few big question marks.

While the addition of Kemba Walker should keep the team near the top of the Eastern Conference, the health of Gordon Hayward is the real X-factor of the season.

Yes, there will be a lot of weight put on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but Hayward’s health could be the difference maker for a Brad Stevens squad looking to regain chemistry and get back to the team play they became known for prior to last season’s disappointment.

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Entering his third season with the Celtics, the expectations have dwindled a bit for Gordon Hayward.  While most of that is due to the horrific injury he suffered in his debut season with the team, the inconsistency in his play last season has many basketball heads wondering if he will ever return to an All-Star level.

One big prediction

As the wildcard of the 2019-20 NBA season, the big prediction is that Hayward will indeed return to the player he was during his All-Star years in Utah.  And there are two main reasons why.

First, he showed glimpses of it during last season.  With a couple of 30-point games, Hayward showed that when he is on his game, the Boston Celtics are basically unbeatable.  If he does that on a consistent basis and find a way to mesh with Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are going to surprise folks.

With that being the obvious factor, the other reason is certainly his health.  Though a lot of what Hayward went through in the 2018-19 season was more mental, he is going into this season feeling completely healthy.

That folks, is going to unveil the Gordon Hayward Boston Celtics fans have been waiting and ready for since the opening tip of the 2017-18 NBA season.

"“I feel good,” Hayward told reporters during the second day of training camp, via Masslive.com.  “The body feels 100 percent.  It’s been really good getting out there back with the guys, playing 5-on-5.”"

With that feeling of being 100 percent, the aggressive side of Hayward should be more consistent in Brad Stevens’ system.  With his playmaking ability, shooting and ability to attack the rim, there is no doubt the Butler product will return to that All-Star level.

He won’t lead the team in scoring, but his overall game will be what builds the Boston Celtics as an Eastern Conference contender.

In summary, the completeness of his game will transcend the players around him.  Expect Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum to be the players who benefit most from the transcendence of Gordon Hayward.