Gordon Hayward adds depth the Miami Heat can’t match

Boston Celtics feel complete with a healthy Gordon Hayward

When Gordon Hayward returned to the Boston Celtics’ rotation in Game 3, many questioned what aspect of the game would impact the most in his Eastern Conference Finals series against the Miami Heat.

Many were quick to point to Hayward as potentially the “zone buster” in this series, or a player who was going to come in and give this team another respectable perimeter shooter, or even a second offensive starter that this team could use with. your bank unit.

Each of those thoughts and theories has legs. However, most of this series in which Hayward impacts more on the deep battle between the two teams. And it adds an element the Heat just can’t match at this point in the playoffs.

Look at it this way, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, and Gordon Hayward, the Celtics have five perimeter-oriented players that could give the Heat offensive headaches, oh, and they can all defend at once. Quite high level at the other end of the floor.

That’s not something the Heat can counter, especially with Kendrick Nunn playing himself out of the rotation, Andre Iguodala limited by back pain, and Kelly Olynyk essentially ineffective off the bench.

The Celtics not only have the heaviest team in this series, but you can argue that they are now the deepest team as well. Each team goes approximately six deep (playing about 30 minutes per game). Honestly, at this point in this series, you need to take the first six from Boston.

Especially if Duncan Robinson and Jae Crowder are going to keep struggling with their jump shot or stay on the court (due to foul problems), in Robinson’s case. Hayward may have only scored six points in his debut in the Eastern Conference Finals, but he’s impacting the game on many other levels; he also finished with five rebounds and four assists.

Gordon Hayward changed the dynamics of this series with his return. Heading into Game 4, it will be up to the Miami Heat if they can counter that.