Poll: Griffin Is The IDEAL FIT. Hayward The WISE Target. (Who Does Danny Take?)

[Phantom255x]

That’s how I see it.

Griffin is a 2-FOR-1, in the sense that even after acquiring Hayward, we would need to trade or find a PF upgrade. Adding Griffin gives us a legit #2 scorer AND a big upgrade at PF/C (also rebounding with Zizic included too).

But Hayward seems more likely to leave his current team than Griffin IMHO. Plus Griffin’s injury history and attitude (trainer incident, punching a wall, etc.) may not reflect well either.

Hayward also is an ELITE WING SCORER and is versatile (can play anywhere from 2-4 depending on situations), and plays UNDERRATED defense (not elite like Kawhi or Draymond, but above average). DOES NOT hurt you on the defensive end at all. Where people criticize IT for scoring 30 points a game BUT giving it back on the defensive end, Hayward can score 25 PPG and NOT give it back on the defensive side of the ball. This postseason, his defense elevated even more IMHO just watching the games, and can only get better.

I’m not saying we’re guaranteed Hayward but my guess is:

65% Hayward Stays Utah
25% Goes Boston
10% Goes Miami

For Griffin:

75% Griffin Stays LAC
15% Goes Boston
10% Elsewhere (Maybe OKC)

BUT if Chris Paul LEAVES, then the odds are probably close to 45-50% he goes Boston, and probably just 25% he stays (and he could legitimately consider his hometown, OKC, and I'm sure OKC would try to work it out somehow).

I wonder if Griffin would be willing to take just a 3-year Max. That could be beneficial to both sides too. Griffin could seek another big deal after the 2-3 years as long as he plays at a high level.

I'd say Gordon Hayward is Plan A, Blake Griffin Plan B. (Hopefully there's no need for a Plan C). 

What do you guys think?

If BOTH Hayward and Griffin are willing to leave and come here, who do you sign (since you CLEARLY can't sign both).

[A Future of Stevens]

I think Hayward for me. His age is a big factor, and combine that with Griffins injury history, I'm not sure if we could pass on Hayward.

I do think adding Griffin makes us better next year than adding Hayward, but I think adding Hayward gives us longer flexibility going forward. Also I really think both guys would thrive in our system.

Contrary to most people, I think if Griffin stays healthy his game can age pretty well. He rarely gets by on just athleticism anymore. He is a phenomenal passer, an underappreciated dribbler at 6'10, his post game has improved, and he can hit the DEEP 2. That gives me hope he could develop the 3.

I just think adding a young, super talented wing scorer who can play the 2 or 3, and spot 4 minutes is just too valuable to pass up.  If our 1-3 in 3 years is Fultz/Brown/Hayward, not many teams could fight against that.

[CFAN38]

funny thing is Hayward is the better signing and Griffin is the better fit.

In terms of next season a healthy Blake Griffin makes the Cs a legit NBA final contender. He would give the Cs the 2nd option and the rebounding they desperately need while fitting perfect into the teams style. The issue is his health last season he play 64 games and the year before that 39. As an ultra athletic player with an injury history I fear he will be a lame duck contract ala Amare Stodimire in the last 2 years of his likely 4 year deal.

Hayward is a great long term fit he is younger and plays in a manor that should allow him to still be very effective into his mid 30s. As others have stated long term his signing likely means Crowder needs to be moved. The issue is the lack of viable big man targets who are system fits. 

[Vermont Green]

I am the first Blake Griffin vote.  I just don't get the allure of Hayward.  We need rebounds and interior defense.  I have durability concerns with Griffin of course but I am totally unsold on Hayward.  He just doesn't move my needle (cliche alert).  I am fine if he signs in Miami.

[Phantom255x]

funny thing is Hayward is the better signing and Griffin is the better fit.

In terms of next season a healthy Blake Griffin makes the Cs a legit NBA final contender. He would give the Cs the 2nd option and the rebounding they desperately need while fitting perfect into the teams style. The issue is his health last season he play 64 games and the year before that 39. As an ultra athletic player with an injury history I fear he will be a lame duck contract ala Amare Stodimire in the last 2 years of his likely 4 year deal.

Hayward is a great long term fit he is younger and plays in a manor that should allow him to still be very effective into his mid 30s. As others have stated long term his signing likely means Crowder needs to be moved. The issue is the lack of viable big man targets who are system fits.

TP, that's the dilemma the Celtics are in it seems (the bolded part of your post).

[Ilikesports17]

i still think Blake is the superior player and I think his injury concerns, while still very serious, are a bit overblown.

Give me Blake and let's go make the NBA finals.

[NHCelticsFan]

A healthy Blake Griffin is in my opinion both the better player (not by as much as people may think) and better fit.  The problem is that he hasn't been healthy for the last two years. 

I think Hayward is still improving and I would prefer him over Griffin.  The C's have the assets to trade for a big that can help them.  It wouldn't have to be a star player, just a role player that can provide some defense or rebounding.

I vote Hayward, but would take either.

[SHAQATTACK]

oh .....give me Giffin with Brown , Horford, Fultz  and IT .....

that team could put some up some points .

[Phantom255x]

oh .....give me Giffin with Brown , Horford, Fultz  and IT .....

that team could put some up some points .

And with Zizic... dare I say.. rebounds 

[Phantom255x]

Looks like it's slight advantage to Hayward so far.

[timpiker]

No way in hell do I give a max contract to injury prone past his prime Griffin.

[Dino Pitino]

Griffin would have to pass his physicals, but if he is healthy he is the easy pick for me. Hayward would be a nice improvement overall at SF. Griffin would be huuuuuge improvement at PF.

[Smokeeye123]

The answer has been signing hayward and trading bradley/crowder for a big for awhile now. Griffin is a lame duck

[mctyson]

Perfect world / perfect health it's obviously Griffin, who I voted for.

But of course he has serious ? about his health.

[ETNCeltics]

No way in hell do I give a max contract to injury prone past his prime Griffin.

He's not past his prime, he's a very good player. He just can't stay healthy.

It's certainly a risk to give him a max deal.