Long Term Title Odds are Better b/c of Hayward injury (if he comes back 100%)

[droopdog7]

No long term impact.  Brown and Tatum are developing regardless.

[Eddie20]

We are now 5 games in the season and 4 full games without Hayward.  It has become increasingly apparent that Brown and Tatum are benefiting greatly from Hayward not being out there.  They are getting more minutes, have a larger role, and are generally developing faster because of it.  Assuming Hayward heals completely and is basically the same player going forward, then I'd strongly argue Hayward getting hurt will significantly increase Boston's chances of being a realistic title contender and being one much faster, perhaps as early as next season.  Sucks to lose Hayward, but I don't think Boston was realistically contending this year anyway and can absolutely see the positives for Brown and Tatum without Hayward playing.

What about this season if Hayward returns in April?

Probably will make the team worse, because Hayward (even if 100% healthy) isn't going to play well when he comes back and him coming back could totally mess up the chemistry of the team.  that said, if Hayward is healthy he should play this year and get a lot of the post-injury growing pains out of the way this year if at all possible.

His spacing alone will help out immensely.

[Moranis]

We are now 5 games in the season and 4 full games without Hayward.  It has become increasingly apparent that Brown and Tatum are benefiting greatly from Hayward not being out there.  They are getting more minutes, have a larger role, and are generally developing faster because of it.  Assuming Hayward heals completely and is basically the same player going forward, then I'd strongly argue Hayward getting hurt will significantly increase Boston's chances of being a realistic title contender and being one much faster, perhaps as early as next season.  Sucks to lose Hayward, but I don't think Boston was realistically contending this year anyway and can absolutely see the positives for Brown and Tatum without Hayward playing.

What about this season if Hayward returns in April?

Probably will make the team worse, because Hayward (even if 100% healthy) isn't going to play well when he comes back and him coming back could totally mess up the chemistry of the team.  that said, if Hayward is healthy he should play this year and get a lot of the post-injury growing pains out of the way this year if at all possible.

His spacing alone will help out immensely.

Maybe, maybe not.  Ankle area injuries often mess up shooting.  You don't get the lift, you can't get space to get shots off, etc.  It takes awhile to get back into the groove.  I wouldn't expect Hayward to be a great shooter when he first comes back.  It will take time for him to get there. 

[bdm860]

We are now 5 games in the season and 4 full games without Hayward.  It has become increasingly apparent that Brown and Tatum are benefiting greatly from Hayward not being out there.  They are getting more minutes, have a larger role, and are generally developing faster because of it.  Assuming Hayward heals completely and is basically the same player going forward, then I'd strongly argue Hayward getting hurt will significantly increase Boston's chances of being a realistic title contender and being one much faster, perhaps as early as next season.  Sucks to lose Hayward, but I don't think Boston was realistically contending this year anyway and can absolutely see the positives for Brown and Tatum without Hayward playing.

What about this season if Hayward returns in April?

Probably will make the team worse, because Hayward (even if 100% healthy) isn't going to play well when he comes back and him coming back could totally mess up the chemistry of the team.  that said, if Hayward is healthy he should play this year and get a lot of the post-injury growing pains out of the way this year if at all possible.

His spacing alone will help out immensely.

Maybe, maybe not.  Ankle area injuries often mess up shooting.  You don't get the lift, you can't get space to get shots off, etc.  It takes awhile to get back into the groove.  I wouldn't expect Hayward to be a great shooter when he first comes back.  It will take time for him to get there.

Right, see Marcus Smart.  Dude is seemingly always playing on a sprained ankle or two.  I think that's why his 3 point shot has suffered so much.  Every season.  Of his career.   

[Moranis]

After going through the season, I fully maintain the premise of this post.  If Hayward recovers fully, Boston will be better next year then they otherwise would have been.  Now we just need Hayward to recover.

[SparzWizard]

Can't wait for the Celtics' death lineup

Irving, Brown, Hayward, Tatum, Horford

The league will not be ready for them.

[TomHeinsohn]

Hot take alert everyone!!

[billysan]

After going through the season, I fully maintain the premise of this post.  If Hayward recovers fully, Boston will be better next year then they otherwise would have been.  Now we just need Hayward to recover.

I think this years Celtic playoff run may serve as powerful inspiration for Kyrie  and Gordon to get ready for next season. If they both work hard this summer to come back strong then we will be an even bigger force. I think the bar will be set high anyway but the Celtics will be ranked in the top 2 or 3 teams in the league during next preseason I will bet.