BONUS: Gordon Hayward – Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
I know, I know, he’s no longer a member of the Jazz and yes, you’re right we’re beating a dead horse and need to let it go.
But this is just too good.
I’m pretty sure the meme below perfectly describes Gordon Hayward’s Utah Jazz/Star Wars comparison:
All of Jazz Nation to Gordon Hayward... pic.twitter.com/LkGf9xxztQ
— Three-Point Threat Podcast (@3PThreatPodcast) December 1, 2017
Hayward was brought in to the Jazz Jedi Order expected to be the one to bring balance to the Force just like Anakin Skywalker. The team and organization did everything in its power to cater to their star and create an environment where he could thrive. They even put up with the shaggy-haired kid days that are much akin to the obnoxious “I’ll try spinning, that’s a good trick!” Anakin days.
But in the end, he decided to give in to the temptations of the Dark Side and join the Boston Celtics, leaving his former friends and allies behind, effectively carrying out Order 66 on his Jazz team.
But as Yoda said when asked if the Dark Side was stronger, “No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.” Then later, “Beware of the Dark Side. Anger, fear, aggression; the Dark Side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.”
Time will tell if the Dark Side truly consumes Gordon Hayward as it did to Anakin, but there’s no doubting in the eyes of Jazz fans that his questionable handling of his free agency transformed him into Utah’s Darth Vader.
Fortunately, another would shortly arise to take his mantle…