Gordon Hayward season offensive high lights. This guy can BALL!

[ThePaintedArea]

Looks like a smaller Larry Bird

Very comparable if you just look at weight and height:

Bird 6'9" 220
Hay 6'8" 226

Looks to me like Gordon is longer...

Actually the last wingspan measurement for Hayward is the 2010 combine. His wingspan was a hair under 6'8 which means he is basically the opposite of long. It blows my mind that he finishes the way he does with his arms.

Great, thanks. Basketball Reference should include those data.

Like Tatum, he really gets a full extension through his torso and shoulders. I'm surprised by the wingspan number; maybe we're just looking at someone who gets the maximum out of the length he has.

On the other hand, Tatum has that AND length.

[chilidawg]

Watching that video I couldn't help but notice a similarity to Tatum's game.  Much better in all phases at this point, but Hayward might be a good upside comp for Tatum. 

[ThePaintedArea]

It's so true. Just the other day someone posted that he was a notch below George and Butler. That's simply not true. Quite honestly, I prefer his game to both. He doesn't take as many contested jumpers as George and he gives much more effort on the defensive end. He's a much better shooter than Butler and also doesn't dribble the air out of the ball like Butler does. Hayward is such a sound player who really doesn't have a weakness. He's a willing passer and is excellent in moving off the ball.

I truly think he's underrated because of the way he looks. People seem to assume that's he's an unathletic guy that's a matador on D, which is so far from the truth.

Agree entirely, TP.

All of those people who viewed Hayward as a step down from George all offseason were doing my head in.

Inranking them, the defense to me has been the biggest question. To the advanced stats and the eye test, George was a much better defender a few years ago. Much. In the last two years, especially this past year, the advanced stats actually like Hayward better(!) hayward's gains in strength and George's falloff since his injury each played a part.

If they continue to be about equal on D, or Hayward even starts to gain separation, he's clearly at least as good, probably better. But that's still unknown. We're going to see how much of Hayward's success is intrinsic, or at least portable, and how much was a function of playing with an intimidating front line behind him. Really hoping for good news here.

Watching that video I couldn't help but notice a similarity to Tatum's game.  Much better in all phases at this point, but Hayward might be a good upside comp for Tatum.

According to BBall Reference, Gordon's best comp is...

Paul George.