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Is Hayward God?

Weezur said:
Screw his offensive game for a second, he's been playing elite defense.
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I would hold off on the word elite and use pretty good. Gay still scored 4 more points than his average and shot over 50% from the field.

It seemed like Gay was surprised by Hayward's defense in the 1st, but came out more focused in the 2nd half.
 
Cyrone Torbin said:
I would hold off on the word elite and use pretty good. Gay still scored 4 more points than his average and shot over 50% from the field.

It seemed like Gay was surprised by Hayward's defense in the 1st, but came out more focused in the 2nd half.
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True that, but Gay was hitting outside shots that were incredibly difficult.
And I'm not saying he's an elite defender. Just that he's been playing like one for the last 3 or so games.
 
Weezur said:
True that, but Gay was hitting outside shots that were incredibly difficult.
And I'm not saying he's an elite defender. Just that he's been playing like one for the last 3 or so games.
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Gordon might not be an elite defender right now, but I think that he has the potential to be an All-NBA-caliber defender. I never understood those who questioned us drafting him out of Butler with the #9 overall pick. I watched nearly every game that Butler played in that year's NCAA Tourney. The thing that was most impressive to me was their defense, which was led by Hayward. That is why they made their run to the National Championship Game not just that year, but the next year WITHOUT Hayward. People were saying that Gordon lacked "NBA athleticism" and would "struggle to guard at the next level". I think that he has proved everybody wrong. Gordon is an above average athlete and he is becoming an outstanding defender. He held Kevin Durant 10 points under his season average. He is definitely not a defensive liability.
 
Matthew Thomas Castleton said:
Gordon might not be an elite defender right now, but I think that he has the potential to be an All-NBA-caliber defender. I never understood those who questioned us drafting him out of Butler with the #9 overall pick. I watched nearly every game that Butler played in that year's NCAA Tourney. The thing that was most impressive to me was their defense, which was led by Hayward. That is why they made their run to the National Championship Game not just that year, but the next year WITHOUT Hayward. People were saying that Gordon lacked "NBA athleticism" and would "struggle to guard at the next level". I think that he has proved everybody wrong. Gordon is an above average athlete and he is becoming an outstanding defender. He held Kevin Durant 10 points under his season average. He is definitely not a defensive liability.
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I think you mistake him "holding" Durant for Durant not really trying because he knew the game was in the bag and Westrbook had it.

Hayward is a good defender. I don't think he will ever become All-NBA type defender though. Just doesn't have enough length or athletic ability. Most All-NBA defenders are either incredibly athletic and long, or are defensively focused players (players who only job is to play defense).

I still think he has the whole "This white kid cant guard me" thing going for him against most NBA players.
 
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Cyrone Torbin said:
I think you mistake him "holding" Durant for Durant not really trying because he knew the game was in the bag and Westrbook had it.

Hayward is a good defender. I don't think he will ever become All-NBA type defender though. Just doesn't have enough length or athletic ability. Most All-NBA defenders are either incredibly athletic and long, or are defensively focused players (players who only job is to play defense).

I still think he has the whole "This white kid cant guard me" thing going for him against most NBA players.
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He has mad length at the 2 gaurd position and adequete length at the 3 gaurd. One thing about Hayward that puts him at an advantage is how long of a step he takes.

You don't have to have length or amazing athletic ability to be All NBA defender.

For example, Tony Allen and Jajlsaf Noah both made it and they're not THAT athletic.
 
Weezur said:
He has mad length at the 2 gaurd position and adequete length at the 3 gaurd. One thing about Hayward that puts him at an advantage is how long of a step he takes.

You don't have to have length or amazing athletic ability to be All NBA defender.

For example, Tony Allen and Jajlsaf Noah both made it and they're not THAT athletic.
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Read "Or you have to be a defensively focused player (players who only job is to play defense)."
 
Over the last 5 games Hayward is averaging 59% FG%, 13.6 ppg, 3.4 ast and 2.2 rbnd. Nice to see his game coming together. Hopefully he can continue to build off of this.

Also he mad his first 3 (2 in fact) in 5 games. 2-3 last night and 2-8 over 5 games.
 
Two NBA players who have done the most to combat racial stereotypes:

1. Jeremey Lin: Asians can't ball.
2. Gordon Hayward: White guys are good shooters.
 
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