Gordon Hayward: Career Ended by Injuries.

Gordon Hayward: Career Ended by Injuries.

Gordon Hayward has announced his retirement. A well-decorated career, and getting paid millions. From playing at Butler, where Brad Stevens coached him, to becoming an All-Star later down the road. Having a key role in three notable teams: the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets. Hayward had a roller coaster of a career, to say the least.

The Utah Jazz drafted Gordon Hayward in the 2010 NBA Draft as the ninth pick. Deron Williams was the star player, and Jerry Sloan was the legendary coach. The team's veterans, like Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson, made it hard for Gordon to get play.

By the 2015 season, Gordon was able to rise to stardom. With Deron Williams, Al Jefferson, and Paul Millsap gone, the path was clear for him to become a star. He averaged 19 points on 43 percent shooting along with five rebounds. In 2016, the Jazz had a 40-42 record, being in the ninth seed. On the last night of the season, Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points as he was about to retire.

In the 2016-17 season, Gordon Hayward made his first All-Star appearance. Having his best season, averaging 22 points and 5 rebounds. He was able to lead the Jazz to the playoffs. Securing the fifth seed of the West. In the playoffs, Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles and Coach Quinn Snyder were able to beat the Clippers in seven. The Jazz then lost to the stacked Warriors in four. Then off-season started, in which Hayward decided to join another team.

Gordon Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics. Reuniting with his college coach Brad Stevens and All-Star Isaiah Thomas. Coming off their incredible playoffs. So, when they signed Hayward, it seemed like it confirmed them a championship. Then, in the middle of the off-season, Boston made a trade for Kyrie Irving. It changed the way we viewed the East. The Celtics had depth. They had Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford. It seemed like LeBron and the Cavs had a challenge. Then in the first game of the season, Hayward had a gruesome injury. Which ended his season that year.

In the 2018-19 season, Gordon Hayward finally made his comeback. But he was no longer the star small forward. Jayson Tatum was able to take over the franchise by taking LeBron James to seven games. Hayward was now forced to find his role. He had to come off the bench and struggled to find his momentum. Far cry from his All-Star years, he was averaging 11 points per game on 46 shooting percentages.

In the 2019-20 season, Gordon Hayward was still dealing with an injury. It seemed like he was struggling to find his mojo. At times he was struggling to finish his plays. He felt frustrated. Like Boston moved away from him. Then in the 2020 off-season, Hayward got paid. Charlotte Hornets signed with the Charlotte Hornets for a $120 million deal.

Gordon Hayward was now teaming up with his Celtic teammate, Terry Rozier. Also, with second-year player Miles Bridges and rookie LaMelo Ball. Hayward had a great season coming back close to his best years, averaging 19 points and six rebounds. Gordon seemed like he was happy being on a new team with better looks. Though the Hornets were trash and missed the playoffs.

Hayward was once again dealing with injury problems. He had ankle problems, which cost him almost half the season. At this point, it was clear that Hayward was on his way out of his career. Averaging 16 points per game. 46 percent shooting. The Hawks eliminated the Hornets in the playoff tournament, ending their season.

In the mid-season of 2024, Gordon Hayward was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was now playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. The young core was looking to make their play-off debut. On paper, they intended this move to make them a contender. But against the Mavericks, he barely was on the court. Hayward and his wife were upset at Hayward's time in OKC. And Sam Presti said it was a mistake. Both parties did not enjoy their time together. Now, Hayward has announced retirement this off-season.

 What a sad tale of an NBA career. Hayward could not stay healthy throughout his career. Dealing with a lot of lower body injuries. It was sad to see that the former All-Star could never reach back to his status. Luckily, throughout his career, he got paid everywhere. A good 14 years in the NBA that any hooper would wish to have. Besides Paul George, all 2010 players have retired. Despite his circumstances, he was able to make a solid career.

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