Utah Jazz: Four Bold Predictions Before the Trade Deadline

Gordon Hayward Will Be an All-Star

Although the Jazz haven’t fared all that well in the recent All-Star voting returns, about as much is to be expected. Utah doesn’t have the big market prowess or the commonly touted star names that would draw in an immense number of votes. Therefore, Hayward’s chances of being named an All-Star starter are more than likely slim to none.

However, luckily for Jazz fans, the All-Star reserves aren’t selected by a mere popularity contest but rather are picked by coaches across the league. And particularly if the Jazz still find themselves in fifth place or better in the West by the time reserves are announced on January 26th, the coaches will be hard-pressed to leave a Jazzman off the ballot.

But beyond that, Hayward has certainly played like an All-Star this season. He’s averaging 22.2 points on 45.9 percent field goal shooting and 38.6 percent three-point shooting while adding 5.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He’s been key to Utah’s success this year as their leading scorer on several occasions and an overall leader on and off the court.

And he further solidified his legitimacy as an All-Star in Tuesday’s contest against the Cavs as he matched superstar LeBron James blow for blow in that hard fought bout. He finished the game with 28 points on an incredibly efficient 10-of-12 shooting night that included four made threes in five attempts.

He also notched nine rebounds and was simply reliable and solid in every aspect of the game. It was a great performance for Hayward against one of the best teams in the league.

Therefore, while there’s plenty of stiff competition in the Western Conference for All-Star spots, given Utah’s success so far this season and the role that Hayward has had in it, I expect him to get his first nod as an All-Star and become the first Jazzman to do so since Deron Williams in 2011.