The loss of Gordon Hayward in free agency was a devastating blow to Utah Jazz fans, but there is still hope that this can be a playoff team next season.
Utah Jazz fans were dealt a crushing blow on the 4th of July, as Gordon Hayward announced via The Players Tribune that he would not be returning to the Jazz, but would be signing instead with the Boston Celtics.
Adding to the pain that comes from losing a star player was the drawn out process in which fans found out. The news was initially leaked by Chris Haynes, who announced that Hayward would be signing with the Celtics, only to have that denied by Hayward’s agent per Adrian Wojnarowski.
That led to perhaps the longest six hours in history for Jazz fans, as sources reported that Hayward was still mulling over the decision.
Then sources again confirmed that Hayward would indeed be leaving Utah to sign a 4-year, $128 million deal with the Celtics.
In retrospect, it is clear that Hayward had likely made his decision when the first report came out, making it almost cruel that his camp didn’t simply confirm the rumors, but instead gave Jazz fans another few hours of false hope.
Utah Jazz Coach Quin Snyder: “Adversity is opportunity in disguise” https://t.co/zlXGi3Ik8t #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/O5STTsv6c6
— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) July 5, 2017
Being the optimist that I am, I feel an obligation to try and cheer Jazz fans up with the promise that we will be alright.
More than almost any other team, the Utah Jazz are equipped to lose a star player like Gordon Hayward and come out on the other end still in a positive situation.
And if you don’t believe me, I have two words for you…Joe Ingles.
Just kidding.
I actually have many words for you, and three primary reasons why the Jazz are going to survive the loss of Gordon Hayward.