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Charlotte Hornets: 3 Surprises from the first 2 months of the season

By Shawn Simmons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021, in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021, in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Gordon Hayward has performed to the level he displayed as a member of the Utah Jazz since arriving in Charlotte during the offseason.

In the offseason, the Charlotte Hornets signed Gordon Hayward to a four-year, $128 million dollar contract and the criticism of the Hornets for making such a big investment in Hayward came in droves.

Despite the criticism, Hayward has excelled in Charlotte and is a big reason for the Hornets’ surprising start. Hayward is playing at a high level; his numbers across the board this season are higher than his lone All-Star year with the Utah Jazz during the 2016-2017 season.

Hayward is averaging 22.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 42.2% from three. Hayward has had one 40-point game and three 30-point games this season.

Hayward has remained relatively healthy as well. Of the team’s 28 games so far this season, Hayward has started and played in 26. He is also playing 35.5 minutes per game which ranks third in his career, more than he averaged any of his three seasons with the Boston Celtics.

More importantly than the numbers, Hayward’s presence has had an impact on just about everything the Hornets do on the floor. He’s been called the Hornets’ connector. His ability to create his own shot, penetrate the defense and attack the paint, rebound, defend and get others involved in the offense have been key to the early team success of the Hornets this season.

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