3 former Utah Jazz players we’re rooting for to succeed this season
By Chad Porto
Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward’s departure hurt fans. He joined up with the Boston Celtics in 2017, rocking Jazz-nation. Fresh off his first and so far only All-Star appearance, the dynamic and multi-skilled forward left a team that was about to get Donovan Mitchell. If Mitchell and Hayward had played together, it’s very likely that the Jazz make the conference finals at least.
Yet, off Hayward went to Boston, where tragedy struck. Hayward would snap his lower leg in two after playing just five minutes of action for the Celtics. It was the home opener against, ironically enough, the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that the Jazz keep having ties to. After Hayward’s injury, he would rehab and come back the next season but he didn’t look right.
He’d regain his form eventually and would eventually end up in Charlotte with the Hornets on a mega deal. During his time with Charlotte, he’s played very well, averaging over 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game, while putting up shooting splits of .470/.380/.834 across that stretch of action.
The Hornets aren’t likely to compete this year, and the team should trade Hayward. Hopefully, assuming Hayward isn’t dealt to the Jazz, wherever he lands he lands with a contender. He’s one of those guys who deserves t win a ring.
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