Gordon Hayward Calls It a Career
Gordon Hayward, a name synonymous with resilience and versatility in the NBA, announced his retirement from professional basketball on Thursday. The forward's decision brings an end to a remarkable 14-season career that began when he was drafted 9th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2010.
Hayward's professional journey is marked by a mixture of triumphs and tribulations. Among his most notable achievements was being named an NBA All-Star in 2017, during a standout season where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. This performance underscored his status as one of the league's elite forwards.
A standout college player, Hayward also left an indelible mark on NCAA basketball. He famously led Butler University to the NCAA championship game in 2010, capturing the nation's attention with his skill and poise on one of the sport's biggest stages.
After seven seasons with the Jazz, Hayward entered a new chapter of his career by signing with the Boston Celtics as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2017. His tenure with the Celtics, however, was marred by a severe injury. In an opening night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward suffered a brutal setback, fracturing his tibia and dislocating his ankle. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2017-18 season.
Despite the severity of the injury, Hayward demonstrated his resilience by making a full comeback during the 2018-19 season. His return to the court was a testament to his dedication and work ethic, attributes that had been a hallmark throughout his career.
In 2020, the forward made another significant move, joining the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal. In his first season with the Hornets, he averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, proving that he still had much to offer on the court.
However, Hayward's career took another turn when he was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder via trade in February. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Thunder was short-lived. He didn’t feature in the last three games of the Thunder's second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, signaling the beginning of the end of his basketball journey.
Across 835 career games, Hayward maintained impressive averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, reflecting his consistent performance and contribution to his teams. Throughout his career, Hayward's versatility and leadership on and off the court have left a lasting impact.
"It's been an incredible ride and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined," Hayward shared, encapsulating the gratitude and humility that have been a constant throughout his career.
As Gordon Hayward steps away from professional basketball, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, skill, and a deep appreciation for the game. His journey from Butler University to the NBA, marred by injury yet highlighted by resilience, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball players.