Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward will either elevate or disrupt the C’s

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on October 2, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 2: during the first half at TD Garden on October 2, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

How Hayward could disrupt Boston

The Boston Celtics are likely amped to see Hayward in action and get him involved. But there’s also the scenario where he struggles to play to his strengths, or disrupts the flow of others – especially Jayson Tatum. Going into the 2017-18 regular season, the Celtics were very high on Tatum, but they didn’t envision the No. 3 overall pick taking on a prominent role in their offense given the presence of Hayward on their frontline.

Then, once Hayward went down, an opportunity presented itself for Tatum and he answered the call.

Averaging 13.9 points per game, Tatum showcased the ability to be a crafty scoring outlet. Ranging from his ability to get to the rim with ease, to sticking the outside jumper, (Tatum shot an impressive 43.4 percent from beyond the arc in his rookie season) to locking down his cover, the Duke product is a two-way player and a potential star if given the time to grow. If he were to start this season, or if Hayward wasn’t returning, you could make the case for Tatum being an All-Star Game candidate.

Hayward can make an impact offensively with or without the ball in his hands; he’s a proven scorer and an underrated passer. But to expect Hayward to take on a lesser role this season and be as productive as he’s been in years past is far-fetched. The Celtics are going to run their offense through the hands of Irving and Hayward with Tatum and Brown as secondary outlets.

Now, while there’s nothing wrong with that philosophy, Tatum and Brown, in particular, became accustomed to assuming a large role in Stevens’ offense last season with Hayward sidelined. With Hayward back on the court and likely to take shots away from others, will the second and third-year wings be as productive as they were last season, or take the next step in their respective games?

You can’t always allow money to dictate who plays and who doesn’t. At the same time, the Celtics gave Hayward a four-year, $128 million deal making him the highest paid player on their roster; they envisioned him being a focal point of their success. And he will surely be a vital part of their offense this season which means others will have to adjust.