It’s for certain that Gordon Hayward has had a sigh of relief after these past few games. The forward has had a tough time finding himself since his gruesome injury in 2017. He had good moments during his time in Boston, but never got the opportunity to excel as a player. A change of scenery was needed for Hayward. It has certainly been paying off during the start of the season. 

Gordon Hayward Excelling

Gordon Hayward: His Free Agency Decision

There were a few head-scratchers during the off-season when Gordon Hayward signed a four year $120 million contract. With the way his tenure went in Boston, many of us believed that the contract was a bit too much for a veteran with lingering injuries. It seemed as if the Hornets organization still saw value in Hayward’s game. His impact on the floor along with his veteran leadership were the two components that were going to take them to another level. With that being said, everything has worked out in the team’s favor so far with the signing of Hayward. 

Hayward is in a great flow to start out the season. His perimeter shot is in rotation and he’s even made aggressive plays penetrating to the rim. Coach Borrego has seemed to make more of an effort to keep Hayward in rhythm more each game. His presence on the offensive end is what lights a spark for the Hornets, which more times than none leads to many blowouts. Hayward has put up huge numbers this season against some solid contending teams. 

Hayward’s Numbers

Gordon Hayward is averaging 22.5 points per game on 50.3 percent from the field. The most interesting stat is his rebounds at 5.2 per game. The Hornets have made an effort to control the glass each game. It’s easier to do so due to the length that the team display’s on the floor. Hayward has contributed to crashing the boards in a very good way. His effectiveness to make necessary plays is what is helping guide the younger players to a level of success.

One of Hayward’s most impressive games this season was against Atlanta, where he scored a career-high 44 points. He started the game scorching hot from the perimeter with three three-pointers in the first quarter. The momentum certainly carried over through the rest of the game as well. Hayward’s assertiveness in scoring the basketball opened up a huge gap for the Hornets. Even when the Hawks mounted a comeback, Hayward continued to stay poised by continuing to fire up shots. Without Hayward’s fourth-quarter play, it would have almost been an utter defeat on the road for Charlotte.

How about the game against New York? Hayward could not miss in the first half as he once again began the game looking to score early. He continued to come off screens for catch and shoot jumpers but also was getting key stops on the defensive end as well. Although Hayward had a quiet second half, he still finished with 34 points in a Hornets blowout on their home floor. 

Gordon Hayward has looked fresh to begin this season. He’s shooting the ball at an exceptional rate and continues to provide a spark as a veteran on a young team. As of today, the Hornets are the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference at 6-5. It is not certain that Hayward can continue his scoring rampage. But one thing that is for certain is his leadership on the roster that could potentially land them a playoff spot.

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