The Boston Celtics will need a new leader for the coming season and that person likely to be tasked is Gordon Hayward. The 29-year-old joined the Celtics back in 2017 but his coming was met with a rude welcome following a horrific leg injury right in his very first game.

The 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft made his return last season. However, it was clear that Hayward was far from his old self. Heading into the 2019-20 season, the 6-foot-8 forward hopes to settle down and finally prove to fans why he was a prized catch two years ago.

It appears that Hayward is raring and ready to go for the Celtics. With the exit of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, there is no question that the NBA All-Star is one of the guys that head coach Brad Stevens needs to step up. It appears Hayward is up to the challenge after he posted something on his blog recently.

"I'm ready to be the player I came here to be. That's my focus. That and raising a banner at the Garden. I'm going to be ready to go. We're going to be ready to go," he wrote.

Hayward has gotten his share of hype this season. Observers claim that he is stronger, faster and leaner in workouts, enough reason to believe that the 29-year-old could have a banner year. Together with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as well as recruits Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter, Boston is formidable. It all depends on how they can all come together and respond to Stevens.

A key addition is Kanter. He and Hayward were former teammates with the Utah Jazz although both have improved since they last played side-by-side. This was covered in detail in a previous post.

"When Enes and I were playing together we were both a lot younger, and things were definitely a little different. I've watched his game grow up as he's been around the league with different teams," said Hayward.

With a new mix of players, the Celtics are hoping Hayward can lead the retooled team to success this season. Boston will have its work cut out over in the Eastern conference, considering they have to contend with the defending champion Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks among others.

Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward scored 30 points as the Celtics beat the Warriors 128-95. In this picture, Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on Mar. 01, 2019. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
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