On Thursday, Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from professional basketball, drawing the curtain on a stellar 14-season NBA career that showcased his extraordinary talent and tenacity.
Hayward's journey into the NBA began when he was drafted 9th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2010. His early years with the Jazz set the foundation for what would become a remarkable career. The pinnacle of his time in Utah came in the 2016-17 season when Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning him a well-deserved spot in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. That same year, he led the Jazz to the playoffs, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite forwards.
A memorable aspect of Hayward's career was his return to Butler University in 2010, where he played before entering the NBA. He led Butler to the NCAA championship game, an achievement etched in the annals of college basketball history. His leadership and skill on the collegiate stage hinted at the professional success that was to follow.
In the summer of 2017, Hayward made a significant move by signing with the Boston Celtics as an unrestricted free agent. The expectations were high, but his time with the Celtics was marred by a severe injury on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle, an incident that saw him sidelined for the entirety of the 2017-18 season. Despite this setback, Hayward made a commendable comeback during the 2018-19 season, although the injury cast a long shadow over his tenure in Boston.
In 2020, Hayward sought a fresh start with the Charlotte Hornets via a sign-and-trade agreement. His first season with the Hornets saw him return to form, averaging 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, demonstrating that he remained a formidable presence on the court.
The latter part of his career saw another change of scenery when he was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder in February. Unfortunately, Hayward’s time with the Thunder was brief, and he did not feature in the last three games of their second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, signaling the winding down of his playing days.
Reflecting on his career, Hayward said, "It's been an incredible ride and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined." His gratitude reflects a career filled with both triumphs and trials, each contributing to his growth as a player and person.
Over 835 career games, Hayward averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, stats that underscore his consistency and versatility as a player. His ability to bounce back from a devastating injury and continue performing at a high level is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the game.
As Hayward steps away from the spotlight, he leaves behind a legacy characterized by hard work, resilience, and a passion for basketball. His journey from an NCAA championship game to an NBA All-Star, and his ability to overcome significant adversity, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players.
The basketball world today bids farewell to Gordon Hayward, not just as a player, but as an emblem of perseverance and excellence in professional sports.