Gordon Hayward Embracing the Mamba Mentality

It would seem that two months after what looked like a season-ending injury, Gordon Hayward may be coming out of his walking boot for good. Hayward seems to be embracing Kobe Bryant’s message to him in an Instagram post. In it, Bryant laid out a bit of a mental blueprint for Hayward.

Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you. Time to move on and focus on doing everything in your power to prepare for surgery, ask all the questions to be sure you understand fully the procedure so that you may visualize it in your subconscious while being operated on and better the chance of it’s success. Then focus on the recovery process day by day by day. It’s a long journey but if you focus on the mini milestones along the way you will find beauty in the struggle of doing simple things that prior to this injury were taken for granted. This will also mean that when you return you will have a new perspective. You will be so appreciative of being able to stand, walk, run that you will train harder than you ever have. You see the belief within you grow with each mini milestone and you will come back a better player for it. Best of luck to you on this journey my brother #mambamentality always.

A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Oct 18, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

Hayward has progressed relatively quickly in his recovery. In doing so, he may be able to return to the Celtics later this season. This would be no easy feat. The Butler product would have to make a very strong case to coach Brad Stevens and GM Danny Ainge. That being said, if Gordon Hayward feels he’s ready to play and is cleared by the end of the year, he absolutely should.

Why He Should Come Back

While the Celtics would like to rest Hayward for the year, they will need him down the stretch and into the playoffs, especially if they want to make a real run. He would open up the offense not only for Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, but for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as well. Hayward’s return gives the Celtics a much better chance in a possible Eastern Conference Championship meeting with Cleveland or an NBA Finals match-up against Golden State.

Tatum, who has proven to be comfortable on offense early in his rookie campaign, would benefit from another solid perimeter shooter. Hayward’s outside shooting and ability to drive would open Tatum up to more shots. Brown’s offense would open up in a similar way to Tatum, and his drives to the lane would be easier. The Celtics would also rely less on big men like Horford and Aron Baynes to take longer shots.

It’s Up To Hayward

Ultimately it’s up to Hayward (and his body) if he comes back. If he heals fast enough and can resume basketball activities, Hayward should absolutely rejoin the Celtics this season. He seems to be embracing the challenge of his recovery. He’s gone from surgery to out of the boot and shooting flat-footed rather quickly. Hayward is absolutely channeling his inner mamba, and that will only play to his advantage.

@Dan_PerSources