Utah Jazz to honor Gordon Hayward in game he claims ‘there was no way he’d miss’

Gordon Hayward makes his long-awaited return to Salt Lake City tonight to face the Utah Jazz in a game that he claimed ‘there was no way he’d miss.’

The night that Utah Jazz fans have long waited for is finally here.

Ever since July 4, 2017, Utah Jazz fans have wanted nothing more than to welcome Gordon Hayward back to the daunting confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena. Jazz fans are known as being some of the most relentless in the NBA, and especially after being spurned by one so beloved, it’s no surprise that they’d be out for a little revenge.

I’m sure if you’re reading this, you’re all too familiar with the story, but how about a little recap? On that fateful Independence Day over a year ago, it became official that Hayward would join the Boston Celtics. And while his leaving the team hurt, it wasn’t even a portion of the problem. After all, that’s how the league works and that’s what free agency means – players get a chance to go wherever they see fit. Who wouldn’t take advantage of such an opportunity in any job?

But it wasn’t the fact that Hayward left, it was HOW he left. Not only did he give the Jazz no insight into his decision, costing them precious time and handcuffing their ability to sign other key free agents, but they ultimately lost him for absolutely nothing. Not only that, but unlike how Chris Paul handled matters when he was ready to leave LA, Hayward put in no effort to work with the Jazz on a sign-and-trade that could be mutually beneficial for both sides.

Then, perhaps worst of all was how the news leaked that Hayward would be joining the Celtics, but he went on to deny the news, leaving the team and fans alike in an absolute standstill, unsure what to think or believe. Ultimately, his infamous ‘Thank You, Utah’ piece from The Players’ Tribune that landed hours later made his intentions all too clear. He’d be joining the Boston Celtics.

The article he penned made no mention of any of his current teammates, and of course perhaps most atrocious of all, he never had the nerve or decency to give owner Gail Miller a call and thank her for everything during his time in Utah. Love him or hate him, forgive him or begrudge him, there’s no denying that Hayward absolutely butchered his departure.

Even while recognizing that fact, some Jazz fans are well over it. Others, well, not even close. For an excellent compilation of various fan reactions and opinions, be sure to check out this recent Salt Lake Tribune piece from Andy Larsen and Eric Walden, which really captures the emotion of several Jazz fans–

But, while you can guarantee that several fans will be filling the arena with boos, the Jazz organization has certainly opted to take the higher road. It was also reported, once again by The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen, that the Jazz will recognize Hayward’s time in Utah at some point during the game. That could mean a quick blurb, a video tribute or perhaps something else entirely.

Honestly, frustrations with Hayward aside, this is a classy move and I’m happy to see the organization going this route. However, I’m also worried it might backfire pretty badly, because the recognition will probably be met with nothing but boos throughout its entirety. The Jazz may want to run the tribute well before the game starts before the herds of angry Jazz fans have taken their seats.

Can you just imagine if Hayward gets off to a good start and the Jazz are losing and suddenly his tribute were to go up? Pandemonium would erupt and the roof of Vivint Smart Home Arena might literally blow off.

Anyhow, it’ll be exciting to see how the organization chooses to honor their former player and entertaining to see how the fans react. As I said, though, don’t expect it to be pretty.

The good news is that, while there were some concerns that such might not be the case initially, all signs indicate that Gordon Hayward will be suiting up and ready to play in this evening’s contest. Due to the horrific injury he suffered last season, the Celtics had been cautious with Hayward’s playing time, easing him back into action and resting him on half of back-to-back sets.

With Boston playing in Phoenix the night before, some presumed that Hayward could very well keep up his resting regimen and hold himself out of action on Friday in Salt Lake City. However, it’s looking like such absolutely will not be the case.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Hayward was planning to play even before the game against Phoenix, barring any physical setbacks (the likes of which we haven’t heard yet, but if there is one we’ll be sure to update you). Bontemps also mentioned that Hayward stated that ‘there was no way he’d miss the Utah game.’ In other words, if he would have been sitting out for half of a back-to-back set, he would have planned to sit in Phoenix, not Salt Lake City.

In other words, Jazz fans, rest assured that Hayward will be playing tonight, and that you’ll get your shot at sweet revenge when his name is announced in the starting lineup.

The Celtics did go into overtime last night in a crazy contest that saw the C’s overcome an incredible 22-point deficit, but Hayward played just 24 minutes, one less than his season average, so he shouldn’t be any more fatigued than normal. For what it’s worth, Gordon didn’t play great in the contest, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-8 shooting.

While it’s somewhat to be expected as Hayward adapts to teammates he never really had the chance to play with and recovers from his injury, he hasn’t exactly been all that effective this season. He’s averaging just 9.9 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.

However, Jazz fans know what he’s capable of, and not only will he be comfortable playing back in the Viv, but you can bet that his teammates will look to help him get going right away against his former team. Especially considering how former Jazzmen have fared thus far against Utah this season, the team better be wary and prepared for Gordon Hayward to potentially have a big night.

That said, watching Joe Ingles, his former closest friend on the Jazz, and Jae Crowder, the guy that many Boston fans were all too happy to see Gordon replace, defend him is going to be an absolute thrill. Both ought to have chips on their shoulders and play with more than a little edge. Ingles has been in a slump of late and the Jazz will need him to get out of it, while Crowder has been one of Utah’s most consistent players and will certainly want revenge on the team that cast him away.

Between the ‘revenge game’ stage that is set, Hayward claiming that this is a game he wouldn’t miss, the supposed recognition of the former Jazzman and the chips on every shoulder that we ought to see from the team and players that were spurned by the Jazz All-Star, this game has all the makings of a classic.

Sure, the Celtics may be a little tired after going into overtime a night ago, but I suspect they’ll be ready for this one, especially Gordon Hayward, as he aims to remind an upset Utah Jazz fanbase just why they were so disappointed that he left in the first place.

Grab your popcorn, Jazz fans. We’re in for a good one tonight.