What's new

Gordon "Muscle Man" Hayward

Meh. Miles did the same thing last year. It means nothing and I often feel only slows a player down more than anything else. Adding 2-3 pounds, yet much more strength, in one offseason while maintaining one's quickness and explosiveness is in my opinion a better way to go. But maybe his body was still filling out.
 
Meh. Miles did the same thing last year. It means nothing and I often feel only slows a player down more than anything else. Adding 2-3 pounds, yet much more strength, in one offseason while maintaining one's quickness and explosiveness is in my opinion a better way to go. But maybe his body was still filling out.

Well every player has a balance. Also consider players lose a lot of weight during the season.
 
We'll have to see if he's still quick enough to guard SGs or if the idea is that he's moving more to the SF. I agree that he didn't really need 15 lbs of muscle. He should donate it to Jeremy Evans.
 
He is young enough that I think the extra muscle will help him this year, especially if he is being asked to play more SF. Might be an indication of the position Corbin has been talking to him about. He would need the strength as much or more than the quickness to go up against some of the bigger small forwards.
 
Hayward was what, 210-215 his rookie year? That isn't cutting it for someone who is 6'8. He should be around 225-230 now which is where he should be. He will lose some of that muscle during the season most likely, so he will probably be playing in the 225 region for most of the season.
 
Hayward was what, 210-215 his rookie year? That isn't cutting it for someone who is 6'8. He should be around 225-230 now which is where he should be. He will lose some of that muscle during the season most likely, so he will probably be playing in the 225 region for most of the season.

Yeah, 225-230 sounds pretty ideal.
 
The ideal size for an NBA shooting guard is between 6'6" and 6'8" IMO. Added muscle makes players stronger and more durable. However, the grind of a long NBA Season (even if it is only 66 games) makes it very difficult for players to maintain their weight. I would guess that Gordon will play this season at about 225 pounds.
 
It's not about whether Hayward is a 2 or a 3. It's about his frame and his game. He was a good rebounder in college. A guy who can play inside and out. And he was never a point forward or marksman shooter. I think he's a more natural 3 in the pros whose effectiveness will come from his ability to be multidimensional. But that college body he had last year isn't going to suit him, and he's not genetically skinny like AK. He can very effectively carry another 15 pounds.
 
He was maybe 200 lbs soaking wet last year. 215 seems very ideal for SG, wouldn't gain anymore or will be Harpring like.
 
It's not worth nitpicking. I'm sure he'll do fine. I'm just saying that 'quick' SGs are usually lighter. It's basically the difference between players like Paul George, Rip Hamilton, Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, etc. and heavier players like Danny Granger, CJ Miles, Gerald Wallace, Martell Webster, etc.

Wes Mathews was a bit heavier and still quick enough, so probably it's neither here nor there.
 
Hayward is just not a 2 or a 3 at this point. He needs to have an optimal pro body. Whatever that means for his position will sort itself out. But he'll never be a great pro as skinny as he was last year. He literally HAS to gain weight.
 
Back
Top