2018-19 NBA season: 5 stars with a point to prove on injury comebacks

#3 Gordon Hayward

Boston Celtics v Charlotte Hornets

While Irving will be under pressure mainly during the playoffs as he is clearly the offensive spearhead for the up-and-coming Celtics, their other major acquisition from the summer of 2017 is yet to finish a full game for the Shamrock Greens.

Gordon Hayward will be looked upon as the Celtics' best two-way player the instant his return becomes official and he takes the floor for their season-opener against the Sixers, and not without reason. His job is less clear-cut than Irving's however, as youngsters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum may take up some of his own earmarked minutes so that coach Brad Stevens can develop them further.

Hayward was a 40% 3-point shooter with the Utah Jazz, however, and in a team with an All-Star point guard in Kyrie, there will be enough open 3-pointers to go around the team. It is up to Hayward to throw the gauntlet down to the Celtics' youngsters and prove that he's the best offensive option they have outside of Kyrie.