TDL Archived: The 2nd Rnd Pick Yankee Swap

[F Gump]

... very surprised at all the Hayward hate.  Lots of folks wanting play making from the wing position but not being honest with themselves about how short a list of NBA players that is and Hayward is on it.  He's a passable and smart defender as well.  If you can get him while still saving first round picks for this offseason you absolutely do it.

If he's almost always healthy and playing, your take is a good one. But he's not.

On paper, Hayward is a desirable player - playmaker with some size, and plays both ends of the floor. But --- Gotta recognize (and admit) that Hayward is VERY unreliable as to whether he will suit up for games. Including whether he can make it through a season and give you a single minute in the playoffs.

Combine that with the fact that he's getting paid a ton of your payroll - which then sits idle in street clothes, during which time you are getting NO playmaking at all from him - and it saps his value.