Charlotte Hornets: Was Charlotte right about Gordon Hayward after all?
The Charlotte Hornets were right about Gordon Hayward
Before the season, many questioned the Charlotte Hornets‘ acquisition of Gordon Hayward. After all, Hayward was viewed as a veteran piece that could help a team get over the top, or a playoff team makes the jump to contender status – something that was out of the Hornets’ hopes for the 2020-21 NBA season.
On paper, it simply didn’t make much sense. Even less so considering that they had given him a four-year, $120 million deal. However, through the first few weeks of the season, it’s hard to disagree with the decision that the Hornets made regarding Hayward.
Through the first few weeks of the season, the Hornets are 6-5 and are arguably the hottest team in the Eastern Conference at the moment, having won four games in a row.
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While LaMelo Ball has made waves, and deservedly so, to start the season, it’s Hayward that has been the reliable star for Charlotte this season. He’s been a big reason for this team’s “hot” start and why they’re currently in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference.
Through 11 games, Hayward is averaging a team-high 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s living up to that contract and has been the leader for a young team that didn’t exactly have a unanimous leader heading into this past offseason.
Not only has Hayward been a huge asset for the Hornets, but the Hornets have almost been equally as good for Hayward. After three up-and-down years with the Boston Celtics, there were questions about Hayward as a player and whether, at just 30 years of age, could get back to his former all-star status that helped him ink that max contract with the Celtics just a few years ago.
So far so good.
The Hornets have given Hayward that lead role once again and it’s paying dividends for both sides. Hayward is on pace to have the best statistical season of his career and at the same rate is helping a young Hornets team find its legs.
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The Charlotte Hornets and Gordon Hayward have been great for each other and as long as this team is in the running for a playoff spot, it’s hard to second-guess their offseason decisions. Including the one to pay Gordon Hayward as a No. 1 option. So far, it’s working out just fine.