Gordon Hayward Off to Hot Start

Gordon Hayward was one of the most talked about players during the off-season due to the massive contract Charlotte provided him. Many pundits and arm-chair GMs (including yours truly) scoffed at the idea of giving Hayward $120M over 4 years. And while the contract may still end up as mediocre in the long run, Hayward has certainly been better than advertised thus far.

Gordon Hayward scored 44 points last night, a career high

He joins Kemba Walker, Glen Rice, and Larry Johnson as the fourth player in @hornets history to score 44+ https://t.co/SAw0Cayzyc pic.twitter.com/P6uYUiFzNI
— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) January 7, 2021

Hayward has averaged 22.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.6 spg with excellent shooting numbers - 49.3% FG, 39.2% 3-point & 91.2% FT. He has been a steady, calm influence for the young Hornets and has looked good in combination with Terry Rozier and rookie LaMelo Ball - as seen below.

Hornets go to LaMelo-Gordon Hayward PnR twice in Q4 last night — teams will switch this action, which Thybulle was ready for, but Shake got caught on the 1st GH screen + short roll jumper (Simmons rotations). 2nd poss, LaMelo can't stick the layup but nice spin around Thybulle pic.twitter.com/khv7Wr8vtv
— Brian Geisinger (@bgeis_bird) January 5, 2021

The Hornets are off to a decent start (4-5), and will continue to look to Hayward for leadership and scoring production. One player who is all aboard the Hayward comeback train is Isaiah Thomas.