Gordon Hayward Announces Retirement
Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from professional basketball on Thursday, officially bringing an end to a storied 14-season NBA career that saw him evolve from a promising draft pick to an All-Star and a key player for multiple teams across the league.
Drafted 9th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2010, Hayward quickly established himself as a dependable and versatile forward. His performance peaked during the 2016-17 season when he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning him his first and only All-Star selection.
Hayward's NCAA Moment
Before dazzling NBA audiences, Hayward had already made a name for himself at the collegiate level. He led Butler University to the NCAA championship game in 2010, showcasing his talent and setting the stage for his professional career.
Move to Boston and the Devastating Injury
In the summer of 2017, Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics as an unrestricted free agent, a move that many believed would elevate the Celtics to the next level. However, tragedy struck on the opening night of the 2017-18 season. In a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward suffered a severe injury, fracturing his tibia and dislocating his ankle. The injury was so impactful that it sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Despite the severity of the injury, Hayward made a valiant comeback during the 2018-19 season, though he never quite recaptured the form that had made him an All-Star in Utah.
Charlotte Hornets and Key Performance
In 2020, Hayward's career took another turn as he joined the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade. His first season with the Hornets saw him put up commendable numbers, averaging 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. These statistics demonstrated that, despite the setbacks, Hayward still had plenty to offer on the court.
Final Chapter with the Thunder
Earlier this year, Hayward was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder via trade in February. Unfortunately, his stint with the Thunder was short-lived and marred by inactivity. Hayward did not feature in the last three games of the Thunder’s second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, adding a somewhat quiet end to his otherwise illustrious career.
Throughout his career, Hayward averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 835 games—statistics that highlight his consistent contributions across different teams and seasons.
Reflecting on his journey, Hayward said, "It's been an incredible ride and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined." This sentiment encapsulates the gratitude and humility that have characterized his approach to the game from the start.
As Hayward steps away from the court, the NBA bids farewell to a player whose resilience and skill have left an indelible mark on the sport. His career, filled with highs and lows, serves as a testament to his determination and passion for basketball.