BOSTON — Brad Stevens considered the question. It was late March, towards the end of a winding, twisting, unpredictable Celtics season and Stevens, from behind a desk inside his TD Garden office, was addressing a familiar topic: Gordon Hayward.
Hayward, who 19 months ago collapsed in pain on the floor in Cleveland, his leg broken, his ankle twisted backwards. Hayward, who seven months ago began the process of rebuilding his career as a shell of his former self. Hayward, who as Boston begins its second round series against Milwaukee this weekend has emerged as one of the Celtics most important players.