Gordon Hayward Shining in Bench Role as Rehabilitation Process Continues

In last year’s season opener, Gordon Hayward suffered one of the most gruesome knee injuries in recent memory. His free agency move to Boston reunited the former Butler star with Coach Brad Stevens and made the Celtics true contenders in the East. In one second, Boston’s entire season changed.

Hayward’s year-long absence and Kyrie Irving’s injury late in the season allowed Boston’s young core to emerge in the playoffs. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier showcased their potential, combining for  53 points per game to carry the Celtics to Game 7 of the conference finals.

“They just have a lot of talent,” Hayward said of Boston’s young core. “With myself and Kyrie out, they were able to showcase that.”

Hayward faced a long rehabilitation process after his leg injury. That has carried over into this season, factoring into Stevens’ decision to bring Hayward off the bench. The forward admitted he is still in the process of returning to his pre-injury form.

“It’s been an adjustment. It’s been a slow, ongoing process,” Hayward said of his rehab. “It’s still going right now, trying to come back from an injury. The whole thing’s been a process.”

Coming off the bench has not only allowed Hayward to ease back into the game; it’s given him the opportunity to develop as a creator. Hayward’s assist percentage is slightly above his 2016-17 rate, his first All-Star season. When the forward is on the court, the Celtics generate more assists.

Gordon Hayward On/Off Splits (Through 23 Games) Offensive Rating Team Assist Percentage
On the Court 114.1 66.9
Off the Court 113.4 57.8

“When I get in, [I’m] trying to do what I can to help us win,” Hayward said on his mentality off the bench. “[I] find a balance between making plays for myself and making plays for others.” His bench splits show the role change has been working so far.

Gordon Hayward Per Game Splits (Through 23 Games) Points FG% 3-point% Assists Rebounds
As Starter (15 Games) 10.1 39.3 29.8 3.1 5.3
Off the Bench (8 Games) 12.0 43.1 40.0 4.6 6.0

The Celtics have also seen glimpses of Hayward’s old self in his new role. Hayward tallied 30 points, eight assists and nine rebounds off the bench in a Dec. 1 win over the Timberwolves. It was the first time a Boston reserve had put up that stat line in franchise history. As Hayward continues to rehab from injury, these flashes show the Celtics the player they will need in big moments down the stretch of the season.

In Game 7 of the conference finals last year, Boston shot 34 percent from the floor and 17.9 percent from 3-point land. Tatum, Brown and Rozier combined to go 16-of-49 from the field. The trio shot a dismal 5-of-28 from deep with Hayward and Irving sidelined.

With the duo back in the fold, the Celtics will have two proven scorers when they desperately need baskets. Hayward’s return to form will push the team even further offensively. Since he can play multiple positions and shoot, Hayward’s eventual return will allow Stevens to create mismatches across the board.

Boston’s offense has failed to take off this year but with Hayward slowly coming back, the Celtics should be the contenders they wanted to be last season.