Utah Jazz notes: Hayward sports a Jazz jersey, Simmons on Exum’s return

Was Gordon Hayward snapped wearing a Utah Jazz jersey in Indiana this week? Well, sort of. Also — Ben Simmons comments on the return of fellow Aussie Dante Exum.

Hold the phones, stop the presses and sound the alarm. Following the Utah Jazz’s big win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Gordon Hayward was captured on video at Bankers Life Fieldhouse playing some pick-up ball…in a Jazz practice jersey. No, really — I speak the truth.

I’m not talking about the rehabbing former Jazz All-Star turned Boston Celtics forward, of course. He remains on the outs in Jazzland. Rather, this was his father, Gordon Hayward Sr.

As part of the Pacers’ “Court of Dreams” program, the elder Hayward and a group of friends were able to play on the team’s court in the hours after the game. The Deseret News’ Eric Woodyard snapped the following vid of Hayward in his Jazz duds making it rain from the mid-range —

Not too shabby, old-timer.

Despite his son’s decision to jump ship last July, Gordon Sr. remains a Jazz fan. He had this to say about Utah’s game with his hometown Pacers, Via Woodyward’s story —

"“I was rooting for the Jazz,” said Gordon Sr. “I was a Pacers fan growing up but now I’m a Jazz fan and a Celtics fan.”"

While the younger Hayward’s departure from the Jazz still sticks in the craw of fans in Utah, there has got to be some kind of solace in knowing his dad is still firmly on the Jazz bandwagon, right?

Maybe?

Ben Simmons on Dante Exum’s return

For the first time in a while, Jazz guard Dante Exum showed up on the team’s injury report on Thursday.

Whether or not this actually means anything (like his return potentially being on the horizon) is up for debate. In any event, the fact remains that the team has been hoping for a comeback before season’s end for some time now. In February, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey said the team was targeting a mid-to-late March return date.

One NBA player outside of Utah who is looking forward to Exum’s big 2017-18 debut is Rookie of the Year candidate and fellow Aussie Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers star was asked about Exum this week and offered this update, via NBA Australia/The Sporting News —

"“We talk a little, we actually caught up in L.A. before he went on his little break, I think it was to Mexico or something like that over All-Star, so it was good to see him,” Simmons said.“He’s working hard, he’s getting back and I can’t wait to play him.”"

Next: Jazz may catch a break with Anthony Davis' injury

Exum continues to be a partial participant at Jazz practice.