Clippers Rumors: Stars to bring in alongside Griffin now that CP3 is gone
By Jason Reed
![Dec 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dibbles past Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports Dec 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dibbles past Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
SF. Gordon Hayward
While all signs may be pointing to Gordon Hayward either resigning with the Jazz or joining the Boston Celtics, the Clippers may now be an option with Chris Paul out the door. The Los Angeles Clippers certainly do have a hole to fill at small forward. Dekker is not ready to be a starter and the existing Clippers small forwards struggled to score.
That is why bringing in Hayward to fold can be so pivotal. Look at the recent champions in NBA history, all of them have had a great small forwards. The Warriors had Kevin Durant and before him Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes. The Cavs and Heat had LeBron, the Spurs had Kawhi Leonard.
While Hayward may not have the star power that these men do, playing alongside Griffin would give the Clippers one of the best one-two punches in the NBA. Strong forwards are necessary to win an NBA championship, that has been evident throughout history. Los Angeles would arguably be better with Hayward than they would be with Paul.
The great thing about Hayward is he is still young, and he has only gotten better with each coming season. His scoring has risen every single year, and his assists and rebounds remain steady around three and a half and five, respectively.
With his scoring mark last season at 21.9 per game, we can assume that one day Hayward may be able to reach the 25 points per game mark. If he does, he could make the Clippers one of the most dangerous teams in basketball.