Let’s make this as simple as possible for everyone: Gordon Hayward wants Indiana. Indiana wants Gordon Hayward. But to make that happen, both need the Celtics. In that way, Danny Ainge has held the keys to unlock the deal.
If Rask’s absence was unavoidable – and by all accounts, it seems directly or tangentially related to the pandemic – Pastrnak’s might have been. He has a physical injury, after all, and one can’t help but wonder if it has been the direct result of poor preparation. Don’t forget that Pastrnak was late to report for the start of training camp and then had to be quarantined, something which even Bruins president Cam Neely openly questioned.
Before you suggest it's “good news” that Chris Sale doesn't need surgery, let’s make this clear: Sale does not need surgery NOW, and the Red Sox have a depreciating asset despite limiting him over the last two years.