Gordon Hayward: Now Is the Time for the NBA

If Gordon Hayward was to take his name out of the NBA Draft before May 8, it would be a mistake. 

The 6'9" sophomore from Butler may have surprised some when he declared for the NBA Draft last Wednesday, but he also did not rule out the possibility of coming back to Butler next year.

Hayward averaged 15.5 PPG on his way to winning the Horizon League Player of the Year (for whatever that's worth), but the NCAA Tournament is where he really burst on to the national scene, leading his team on an improbable run all the way to the title game.

At times he looked great, scoring 22 points on Kansas State to put his team in the final four. 

But he also seemed to struggle a little on the biggest stage, only mustering two field goals in a 12-point effort against Duke in the National Championship, and at times disappearing as a scoring threat for multiple minutes at a time. 

Hayward still needs developing, a lot of developing. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't go pro. 

Look no further than into the post. Butler's big man Matt Howard had a breakout sophomore season similar to Hayward's a year ago, winning the Horizon League POY award as well. 

This season was somewhat of a disappointment for Howard, given the high expectations entering the year. Due to his constant knack of getting into foul trouble, and his diminishing role in the offense (mostly due to Hayward's performance) Howard is not even close to sniffing an NBA roster.

Now, Hayward is a much better overall player basketball player than Howard, but there is no guarantee that his NBA stock will be as high as it is right now, next year. 

Gordon Hayward isn't going to become a better pro prospect by playing the Cleveland State's and the Valparaiso's of the world. The only way he can reach his full potential now is by playing against the best in the world day in, day out.

There is no question Gordon Hayward has the foundation of skills to help him succeed at the next level. He has the jump shot and the height to get it off over a defender. He has also showed determination to drive to the hoop and create scoring chances at the line, all while having enough ball-handling ability to get him where he wants to go.

Like most young players, he needs to get stronger, and his defense is far from stellar. But that will come in time with dedication and hard work.

Remember three years ago when a skinny 6'9" kid out of Texas couldn't bench a single rep at 185 pounds?

What ever happened to him?

Oh, that's right, he just led the league in scoring. 

Does Gordon Hayward have Kevin Durant's natural ability? No. 

But can he be a solid contributor on an NBA team in the next couple of years? My guess is yes.