Hayward fine with bench role: 'Whatever I can do to help us win'
The Boston Celtics are struggling offensively, and have lost four of their last five games.
Boston's attempt to integrate Gordon Hayward into its offense has been rough after the forward sat out all but five minutes last season due to a gruesome leg injury. However, he's willing to sacrifice and take on a bench role while finding his rhythm.
"For me, I'm happy to be on the court, No. 1 more than anything and, No. 2, whatever I can do to help us win," Hayward said, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “I said it before the season, it’s whatever to me.
"We have to figure something out because for whatever reason we’re not playing our best basketball right now."
Hayward was one of the more efficient wing players in the NBA when he signed with the Celtics in 2017. However, his early struggles this season have been contagious, as the talent-heavy Celtics rank 26th in offense, and their top-ranked defense is carrying them through 13 games.
"There's obviously a little bit of rust and sometimes you just go through those phases," Hayward added. "You go through slumps. The shot feels good in practice and looks good and for whatever reason in the game, they’re in and out.
"Sometimes it gets frustrating, but for me, I've played in the league long enough to know you just have to put in the work in practice and shoot with confidence, shoot your way out of it."
Hayward is averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game.