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Positives of Gordon Hayward on Celtics second unit

In a docu-series released by The Athletic called “The Return”, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward exclaimed:

“I won’t be the same player… I’ll be a different player. I think something of that magnitude changes you as a player. Does that mean that I’m not going to be able to get to the same level or better than I was? Absolutely not.”

Celtics

(Waltham, MA, 11/02/17) Gordon Hayward leaves after talking with reporters about his leg injury at the Celtics practice facility. Thursday, November 2, 2017. Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Being just over a year removed from a devastating foot and ankle injury, a slow start was expected for Hayward. Though, not many expected the former All-Star to have a career-low .390 field goal percentage while averaging just ten points per game.

Hayward’s struggles have mirrored Boston’s, as the Celtics are ranked 24 of 30 in points per game (105.6) and offensive rating (105.8). They rank even worse in team shooting percentage (42.8 percent) at 28 of 30.

Clearly, a shake-up is needed, and Hayward is well aware of it. The forward told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe that he is willing to come off the bench. Specifically, Hayward stated:

“For me, I’m happy to be on the court, No. 1 more than anything and, No. 2, whatever I can do to help us win’’.

Before Celtic fans panic about their highest paid player coming off the bench, let us look at the positives that will come from the situation.

More shot attempts for Hayward

When asked about his slow start, Hayward answered:

“Sometimes it gets frustrating, but for me, I’ve played in the league long enough to know you just have to put in the work in practice and shoot with confidence, shoot your way out of it.”

Unfortunately, Hayward hasn’t been allowed to “shoot his way out of it” due to the Celtics’ abundance of scoring options. Boston has seven players averaging at least 8.5 field goal attempts per game, with Hayward being second to last among them at 9.5. This is a far cry from the 15 field-goal attempts per game Hayward saw in his final seasons in Utah.

A move to the bench will create a situation where Hayward is a primary scoring option, allowing him to attempt more field goals, and shoot out of his slump.

A veteran scorer on Celtics second unit

Boston’s second unit is struggling offensively. Only Marcus Morris (0.2) has a positive offensive box plus/minus in the group. The Celtic’s need to swap Jaylen Brown, who is struggling offensively, with Hayward, which would allow Boston to add a veteran scorer to their second unit without mortgaging their defense.

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Via Sporting News

Boston is desperate for a spark

The Celtics have to change things up offensively. They need Hayward taking more shots in order to escape his “funk”, as well as need their offensive efficiency to improve as a whole.

Hayward coming off the bench is just the spark Boston needs. Having an All-Star caliber presence off will give the Celtics a massive advantage over teams that lack depth. There will be no possessions off for Boston’s opposition when Hayward enters the game for Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

Three Takeaways: Celtics 101, Thunder 95

After a disastrous start, the Celtics pulled off a miraculous comeback after a 16-point deficit at half-time. Boston scored just 34-points in the first half, going 0/11 from the 3-point-line in the process. Luckily, they outscored the Thunder 40-23 in the 3rd quarter, giving Boston a 74-73 lead entering the fourth. They finished off the winless Oklahoma City Thunder with a 16-1 run in the final 4:22 minutes of the contest.

Here are three takeaways from the Celtics third win of the season.

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Marcus Morris (13) leaps into the arms of teammate Jayson Tatum as they celebrate Morris’ game-winning 3-point shot in the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Boston, Tuesday, March 20, 2018. The Celtics won 100-99. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A Tale of Two Halves

The Celtics played a horrific first half, shooting 0/11 from beyond the arc, though they would not be deterred. Boston shot 11/21 in the second half, with seven 3-pointers coming from Marcus Morris and Al Horford.

Marcus Morris is Key

The Tommy Award winner of the night had an incredible performance in Oklahoma City. In 30 minutes, Morris posted 21 points, 10 rebounds and one assist on 50 percent shooting. His game-high four 3-pointers were key, specifically a 25-footer to take a 98-95 lead with 28.7 seconds in the game. His five fourth-quarter free throws were also important to seal the deal. Boston will need similar performances out of Morris in the future.

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Marcus Morris, top right, puts up his game-winning 3-point shot over Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) and forward Paul George in an NBA basketball game in Boston, Tuesday, March 20, 2018. The Celtics won 100-99. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Celtics are Back on Track

With this win, Boston is back above .500 at 3-2. Overcoming a 16-point half-time deficit is huge for the young team’s confidence. Their next test will come in Detroit versus the Pistons on Saturday, October 27 at 7:00 PM ET.

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Greatest Celtics to Never Win a Championship

The Boston Celtics have a league high 17 NBA Championships. The franchise is represented by champions like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, John Havlicek and many more. Despite the abundance of champions, there are many great Celtics who never won in Boston. The following players deserve to be recognized despite their lack of hardware.

Reggie Lewis

Lewis was selected by the Celtics with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. In Lewis, Boston added a young scorer to their aging core of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. In his rookie season under coach K.C. Jones, Lewis would average just over eight minutes per game. The Celtics finished the season with a 57-25 record. They eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Detroit Pistons.

On July 27, 1993, Lewis would suffer sudden cardiac death at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was just 27-years-old. (Photo via Pintrest)

Things would change dramatically for Lewis in year two. An injury to Larry Bird and the addition of new head coach Jimmy Rodgers allowed Lewis to see a major increase in playing time. As a 23-year-old, Lewis played about 33 minutes per game while averaging 18.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

The Celtics would struggle without Bird, posting a 42-40 record in the regular season. The Detroit Pistons would eventually sweep Boston in the first round of the playoffs.

In years three and four, Lewis would continue being an integral secondary scorer. He averaged a combined 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists across 34 minutes per game during said span.

Lewis Breaks Out

His major breakout would come during the 1991-92 NBA season. Lewis played a team high 37.4 minutes per game due (yet again) to injuries to Bird and McHale. With the increased opportunity, Lewis would average 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He would also make his first All-Star team that season. In ten postseason games, Lewis would average an incredible 28.0 points per game. The Celtics eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1992-93 would be Lewis’ last season in the NBA. With Bird retired, Lewis was the primary scorer in Boston. In 39 minutes per game, Lewis averaged 20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The Celtics would finish with a 48-34 record, good enough for second in the Atlantic Division. Lewis played 13-minutes of the Celtics first playoff game before collapsing to the floor and being taken to the hospital. Without Lewis, the Celtics lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Charlotte Hornets in four games.

On July 27, 1993, Lewis suffered sudden cardiac death at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was just 27-years-old. His number 35 jersey is retired in Boston, making him one of two Celtics players (Ed Macauley #22) to have their numbers retired without winning an NBA Championship.

Antoine Walker

Although Walker did win an NBA Championship, he failed to do so in Boston.

He was selected with the sixth pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics and made an immediate impact. At 20-years-old, Walker averaged 17.5 points and nine rebounds and was voted to the 1996-97 All-Rookie first-team. The Celtics won 15 games and were rewarded with the third pick in the NBA draft (Chauncey Billups was later selected).

In year two, Walker started all 82-games. He averaged 22.4 points and 10.2 rebounds across 39 minutes per game, while making his first All-Star team. The Celtics improved their record to 36-46, and would receive the tenth overall selection in the 1998 NBA draft (Paul Pierce was later selected).

Fast forward to 2001-02, Walker averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 42 minutes per game. Alongside Pierce, Walker led the Celtics to the playoffs for the first time in his career. In 16 playoff games, Walker averaged 22.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The Celtics made a deep run into the playoffs, but eventually lost to the New Jersey Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Close But No Cigar

Walker and the Celtics returned yet again to the playoffs in 2002-03. In what would be Walker’s final season as an All-Star, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The Celtics would once again fall short to New Jersey, though in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

On October 20, 2003, Walker was traded by Boston to the Dallas Mavericks for Raef LaFrentz, Chris Mills, Jiri Welsch and a 2004 first-round draft pick (Delonte West was later selected). In February of 2005, Walker was traded by the Atlanta Hawks back to the Celtics for Tom Gugliotta, Gary Payton, Michael Stewart and a 2006 first-round draft pick (Rajon Rondo was later selected). In August of 2005, Walker was included in a five-team deal sending him to the Miami Heat. Walker would win a Championship in his first season with the Heat, although he will always be remembered as a Celtic.

Isaiah Thomas

Thomas was the final selection in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He would spend three seasons in Sacramento, averaging 15.3 points and 4.8 assists across 29.1 minutes per game. In 2014, the Kings traded Thomas to the Phoenix Suns for Alex Oriakhi and a trade exception. Thomas started one of his 46 games in Phoenix, averaging 15.2 points and 3.7 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. Half way through the season, the Suns parted ways with Thomas.

On February 19, 2015, the Celtics would acquire Thomas in a three-team deal including Tayshaun Prince, Marcus Thornton and a future first round draft pick (Skal Labissiere was later selected). Thomas averaged 19.0 points and 5.4 assists in 26 minutes per game in the final 21 games of the season. The Celtics would eventually be swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

Thomas’ first All-Star campaign came during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 22.2 points and 6.2 assists across 32.2 minutes per game. The Celtics would lose in the first round of the playoffs again, although this time forcing the Atlanta Hawks to six games.

The 5-foot-9 guard broke out during the 2016-17 NBA season. He averaged a career high 28.9 points and became the sixth Celtic ever to score 2,000 points in a single season. Thomas lead the Celtics to their third consecutive playoff appearance.

Tragedy Strikes and Thomas Overcomes with Valiant Effort

During the first round of the 2016-17 playoffs, Thomas tragically lost his sister in a car accident. In a heroic effort, Thomas would score 53 points – the second highest in Celtics playoff history – on what would have been his sister’s 23rd birthday. Thomas’ performances during these playoffs will never be forgotten.

The magical playoff run would inevitably come to an end against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the lack of a championship, Thomas has indefinitely left his mark on the franchise.

On August 22, 2017, Thomas would be traded along with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected 2018 first-round draft pick (Collin Sexton was later selected) in exchange for Kyrie Irving. The move was shocking, although it was clearly the best decision for Boston moving forward.

Since leaving Boston, Thomas has bounced around the NBA, landing in Cleveland, Los Angeles and now Denver. As Celtics fans, we must wish Thomas the best of luck. Without him, this rebuild process would not have been possible.

Kyrie Irving Drama Comes To End – Or Not

These past couple of weeks have been swamped by possible trade talks surrounding star Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler and our very own Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving. This has been a topic almost overtaken by “Hot Take Heaven”, as everyone seems to have their own opinion about what team Butler and Irving will join up with. While it’s an intriguing topic to cover, we need to “About Face!” and come back to reality.

Kyrie Irving won’t be traded this season.

Kyrie Irving has been dropping us hints through his interviews and media day appearances, all but revealing to us his plan for the future. Let’s break these things down and put together the clues he has left us.

The Jackie MacMullan Interview

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Kyrie recently did an interview with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, who asked him about the rumors surrounding him and Jimmy Butler possibly joining with a team to play together. He informed her that they have had no such discussions since 2016 – When they were playing together on the USA Team and discussing the future in a practice session.

That’s believable. Players are going to shoot around basketballs and spitball about playing together in the NBA. Generations have done it on the playground and there is no reason to disbelieve that star NBA players do it on the USA Team competing overseas.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?” Kyrie asked, motioning to the great history of the Celtics franchise. It is a franchise rich with championship history and full of great players. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin McHale headline several of the players that have come through the ranks for Boston. 17 Finals championships and 22 retired numbers hang in the rafters. He’s absolutely right, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?

That begs the question for the rumors. Why won’t he commit to Boston?

Financial Restrictions

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Kyrie Irving is arguably the best point guard in the league at this current time. His scoring ability is out of this world, especially when he is healthy and attacking the basket. He hit .408 from beyond the three point line last season, and averaged 24.4 points per game and 5.1 assists. He is undoubtedly a top tier point guard in the league.

Kyrie Irving deserves to be paid as one, and he knows it.

Boston is in a world of pain when it comes to future contracts that they need to have figured out. Jayson Tatum will be getting a huge paycheck come his time to sign an extension. They want Jaylen Brown around. Marcus Smart is tied up for four more years. Gordon Hayward is under a huge contract for another three years. Al Horford is under his huge contract for three more years, as well. While Kyrie is under a player option next season, it’s very easy to assume that he won’t accept it as it’s about half of the going rate for a payer of his caliber.

To re-sign Kyrie, someone is going to have to go, or some agreement will have to be made. The question becomes, what will it be?

Media Days

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The Celtics media day on Monday filled Celtics fans with optimism and hope. There were a lot of great and encouraging statements made by several of the players. However, Kyrie made some comments when he took the podium.

“I believe Boston is the place for me,” he said, before throwing a little shade. “Obviously it’s everybody else’s job to look forward to my future before I can, so I just really thought it was important to make sure it’s known that this franchise is really built for the next few years of being at the top-tier of teams in the league.”

So that ends it, right? He’s going to stay in Boston, right?

No, I don’t believe this solves everything.

What do you expect the man to do?

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Kyrie Irving can do two things as a Boston Celtic. He can either be happy to be where he is as the focal point of the offense, or he can demand a trade to a team that will pay him. He hurt his image when he asked to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James. So what do you expect the man to do?

Kyrie wants to play basketball. It’s a long off-season and it’s been longer for him because he missed all of March and the playoffs. He doesn’t want the typical Boston Press drama surrounding him all season about playing on another team.

Of course, Kyrie is going to say that he wants to stay in Boston. I genuinely believe him, too. I think he does. However, he understands that with the cap issues, there is a chance the two sides might not come to an agreement. He doesn’t want the media talking about that all season long. Kyrie wants the media focusing on his play, his team, how well they mesh together and how legendary this team could end up being.

So stop talking about Kyrie trade rumors and Jimmy Butler reunions. Start talking about this year and trust the Celtics’ ability to keep stars around forever.

We should all take on Kyrie’s approach to the topic and tackle this when it comes. First, Boston’s got a championship to win.

How Many Points Can You Expect the Celtics to Score This Season?

The Boston Celtics are primed to have a huge year in the Eastern Conference, and anything less then a Finals appearance will be a disappointment for the franchise. The team is loaded with not only stars but depth talent. One of the best scorers in the game plays the point guard with Kyrie Irving, and two up and coming young players (Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) are working their way among the leagues elite. Oh, and don’t forget about the former Utah Jazz star, Gordon Hayward.

I have put together a formula for predicting how players will perform by game, and what you can expect to see over the course of the season. In our latest Celtics podcast here, I made a hot take where I said that we could expect a healthy Celtics team to score 130 points per game.

I think I’m going to walk that back a little bit. However, I think it is reasonable to expect the Celtics to score 120.

The Expectancy Rating formula

The formula is all about numbers. I firmly believe there are three stages of a players career. They are either rising, at their peak, or falling. The expectancy rating formula factors that. Let’s talk about the stages.

Rising

When a player is rising, he is expected to score more points then he averages over his career per game. Here’s the first example I will use: Kyrie Irving.

Irving currently averages 22.0 points per game. I think it’s easy to assume he is still on the rise, playing at a high level in this league. After adding the rise factor, we can expect Kyrie to score 25.3 points per game.

Peak

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When a player has hit his peak, I expect him to meet his career averages. Great example for the season: Gordon Hayward.

Hayward averages 15.6 points per game in his career. With his ankle injury last year, I think it’s easy to assume that he might not hit that number and that 15.6 points are his maximum he can bring to the table.

Fall

When a player has passed his prime, his season per game averages generally falls under his career averages. A great example of this is Al Horford.

Horford was 31 years old last season. Going into last season, Horford averaged 14.3 points per game when he joined the Celtics. Last season, he scored 12.9 per game. He has hit his peak, and now we can’t expect him to score as many points per season.

How accurate is this expectancy rating?

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I ran these numbers on the seasons past, checking the Celtics numbers for three seasons between 2014-15 to 2016-17. It’s surprisingly reasonable and accurate.

In the 2014-15 season, the expectancy rating was 98.3 points per game. Boston averaged 101.4 points per game, a 3.1 point difference from the expectancy rating.

In the 2015-16 season, the expectancy rating was 103.8 points per game. Boston averaged 105.7 points, a 1.9 point difference.

In the 2016-17 season, the expectancy rating was 106 points per game. Boston averaged 108 per game that season, a 2 point difference.

Point is, the expectancy rating is almost under what can be expected. It’s compiled by the top nine players on the team, where the starters, the 6th man and three role players adjusted totals are added together to put the rating together. Because a lot of teams play ten or even eleven man rotations, there are always going to be a couple of points that are missing. The rating is a reasonable expectation.

What can we expect this season?

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There are so many stars on this team that if they stay healthy, Celtics are going to score a lot of points. I think each of the starters can be expected to score at least 12 points per game, and the bench is going to score a lot too.

The expectancy rating has the Celtics scoring 115 points per game. It could easily be higher. 120 points per game aren’t out of the equation.

The NBA Record is held by the Denver Nuggets team from 1981-82. In that season, on a team featuring players like Alex English, Dan Issel and Kiki Vandeweghe, the Nuggets averaged 126.5 points per game.

If things go Boston’s way, they are going to make a run at that record. Just you wait.

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Which NBA teams should Celtics fans keep an eye on?

The Boston Celtics will be must-see TV with superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning. It will be important for Celtics fans to pay attention to other NBA teams as well because they will determine the placement of Boston’s draft picks at the end of the year.

In order to make mid-first-round draft picks sound exciting, the following is a list of notable Boston Celtics first-round draft selections outside of the lottery: Terry Rozier (No. 16 – 2015), Avery Bradley (No. 19 – 2010), Gerald Green (No. 18 – 2007), Al Jefferson (No. 15 – 2004), Rick Fox (No. 24 – 1991), Reggie Lewis (No. 22 – 1987)

Memphis Grizzlies

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Mike Conley (11) of the Memphis Grizzlies flexes during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo from TheCommercialAppeal.com)

In 2015, the Celtics, Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans orchestrated a three-team trade sending forward Jeff Green from Boston to Memphis in exchange for Austin Rivers, Tayshaun Prince, and a protected future first-round pick. Rivers would eventually be traded to the Clippers for a second-round pick. Prince went to the Pistons in a three-team deal involving Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics still hold the Grizzlies’ draft pick, which will be protected if it falls in between No. 1 and No. 8 in 2019 or No. 1 and No. 6 in 2020, and will be unprotected in 2021.

Last season, Memphis finished 14th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record. With the return of Mike Conley from injury, as well as the emergence of former Celtic MarShon Brooks, the Grizzlies may improve. If that is the case, the Celtics may get their hands on a draft pick in the back half of the lottery. Although if the Grizzlies are to struggle, it may be another season or two until the Celtics see any further return on Jeff Green.

Los Angeles Clippers

During the 2016 NBA Draft, the Celtics traded picks 31 (Deyonta Davis) and 35 (Rade Zagorac) to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future 2019 first-round pick from the Clippers. Boston still owns the Clippers pick, which is lottery protected in both 2019 and 2020. If Los Angeles has not conveyed the pick by then, they will instead convey a 2022 second-round selection.

With the Clippers returning to mediocrity, it seems unlikely the Celtics will receive compensation any time soon. Last season, the Clippers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. With the departures of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, not one of their remaining players has ever appeared in an All-Star game.

When the Clippers inevitably struggle, it will be detrimental for Boston. Their best-case scenario would be to receive a first-round pick outside of the lottery. Celtics fans should be rooting for Doc Rivers once more, because the more the Clipper lose, the longer the Celtics will have to wait for a return.

Sacramento Kings

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dribbles up court during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, Danny Ainge made a bold, but brilliant trade, moving the No. 1 draft pick (Markelle Fultz) to the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 3 overall pick (Jayson Tatum) and a future first-round pick in 2018 from the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston would only receive the Lakers pick if it was between No. 2 and No. 5, which it was not, however. So, Philadelphia will send Boston the better of their own or the Sacramento Kings 2019 first-round picks.

Celtics fans should not expect to receive the 76ers pick, as they finished third in the Eastern Conference last season and have two of the NBA’s brightest young talents in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Rather, Celtic’s fans should expect to receive the Kings pick, as they are clearly the inferior team, finishing 12th in the Western Conference last season. It will be important to keep an eye on De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings, as they could have a dreadful season, which would drastically assist Boston come draft day.

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