Open Letter To Gordon Hayward

[JimLes]

If Burke would stop thinking about shooting and focus on creating for others, then maybe his shot will come around.

Or not. It doesn't even matter whether his shots come around, you can still be a servicable PG in this league even if people don't respect your shot at all. I'm not just talking about early Kidd or prime Rondo. I still have fond memories of Earl Watson. Yes, he couldn't shoot, yes his height made it harder for him to guard many backcourts, but he would come in, throw some lobs to Evans, set up guys and try to hold down the fort until a starter came back in. In other words, he did what he was good at, and recognized his own limitations.

Here's a crazy stat about Burke this year. He has had a dozen games where he took 10 or more shots and shot under .300(!) for the game. That includes the goose egg he laid last night, 1-10 against the Cavs, the absolute stinker against the Hawks when he went 2-19, and the 2-13 game against the Suns a few days ago. Here's the kicker. Only 3 times of those 12 did he have more than 5 assists. He just has no recognition of when to just stop shooting. It's not even about waiting for easy buckets and getting confidence up and whatever. Just stop shooting. Do other things. Help your team.

 

[Thee Jazz Fan]

I will say I'm pretty sure I was either the first or second to say he would be a star. Said it when Sloan was still the coach around mid season of his rookie season

 

[trailing]

I am just happy his three point shooting is working again. He played good last year but the three point shooting killed him.

Always believed in our little nerd.

 

[Jamezz]

Yeah he's pretty good.

 

[honz]

Too little too late, bish.

 

[♪alt13]

Tbh even with Hayward's awesome exhibition of skills last night I couldn't help but laugh at him for how many times he ****ed with his hair.
.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Tbh even with Hayward's awesome exhibition of skills last night I couldn't help but laugh at him for how many times he ****ed with his hair.
.

I got a theory he has some kind of stuff in his hair that gives him better grip on the ball, which explains his improved handle and shot.

 

[8]

Any got some links to highlight videos of his past few big games. I've been busy and missed more games than I would like. If they are in some other thread please direct me there.

Thanks.

 

[8]

nvm found some. I'll save the rep points for another time.

Oh yeah, Hayward is good.

 

[Just Ted]

It takes a big man to admit when he is wrong. It takes and even bigger man to laugh at that man! "Jack Handy"

 

[Stifle Tower]

Hayward just moved into 17th in PPG in the league. He is 4th in SFs in PPG. Behind only Lebron, Carmelo and Gay. He is only .1 ppg behind Gay.

I'd be very interested to see what his efficiency is. Hayward isn't a volume shooter. He doesn't dominate the offense like many others.

I've generally been a Hayward supporter. Well, after warming up to him after the draft. Face it, only Honz and KOC loved him on draft night. many times last season I said he'd eventually bounce back to his career averages. But I was still uber-upset at his contract after such an awful season last year. Grudgingly, I said the Jazz should match, but not because I thought he was worth it. It was more the concept of losing a very good asset for nothing (and not at all comparable to the Jefferson/Millsap situation). Hated the clauses he allowed Charlotte to insert (trade kicker and especially the opt-out).

AS recently as a few weeks ago, I've voiced concerns over whether he'll be worth a $20M contract in 3 years. I think he is erasing those doubts (although I hope he helps Utah out by taking a bit less so we can keep the core together).

Gordon, please forgive me for my sins. Your step-back "J' is heavenly, your playmaking divine and your face angelic. You are a truly a god sent to live amongst us.

 

[gregbroncs]

I will say I'm pretty sure I was either the first or second to say he would be a star. Said it when Sloan was still the coach around mid season of his rookie season

Nobody beat Honz. That guy was pimping Gordon before the freaking draft. He took a lot of heat and nobody thought he was serious but holy hell did he call that one.