Reason #3: Team Improvement
If you have watched any of the Charlotte Hornets’ games this year, you have seen a lot of highs and lows, but mostly highs. That is because of Gordon Hayward and what he brings to the team.
Of course, this is also because of the addition of LaMelo Ball, but there is no doubt that Hayward is contributing to the Hornets’ success as well. With nearly half of the season already played, the Charlotte Hornets are sitting at 12-13 and as of right now; if the season ended today, they would have a playoff spot.
Hayward has proven that he can still help lead a team to the playoffs, and he proves it night in and night out. So far this season, Hayward has three 30-point games and one 40-point game. Whatever the team needs for them to win, Hayward does that.
Hayward has the ability to take a game over and shoot lights out, or he can dish the ball to his teammates and have them take over the game. While this aspect doesn’t mean anything when it comes to the All-Star voting, it’s worth noting.
It’s also worth noting that while Hayward may not be the best player in the league, he is at least for the foreseeable future, the best player on the Charlotte Hornets, and that should count for something.