Gordon Hayward, the former NBA All-Star, has announced his retirement from professional basketball after 14 seasons. The news was shared via social media on August 1, 2024. Hayward played for several teams, including the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving an indelible mark on the league and its fans.
The Beginning: Utah Jazz Years (2010-2017)
Hayward’s NBA journey began when the Utah Jazz selected him with the 9th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Over seven seasons with the Jazz, Hayward evolved from a promising rookie to a franchise cornerstone. His time in Utah was marked by steady improvement and growing leadership:
- Rookie season (2010-11): 5.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.1 APG
- Final season (2016-17): 21.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.5 APG (All-Star selection)
During his tenure with the Jazz, Hayward’s overall averages were impressive:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 15.3 |
| Rebounds | 4.2 |
| Assists | 3.4 |
His development in Utah culminated in his first and only All-Star selection in 2017, a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game.
The Boston Chapter (2017-2019)
In 2017, Hayward made a high-profile move to the Boston Celtics, signing a four-year contract. However, his time in Boston was marred by a devastating injury in his very first game for the team. Despite this setback, Hayward showed remarkable resilience:
- Played only 1 game in 2017-18 due to injury
- Returned in 2018-19, playing 72 games and averaging 11.5 PPG
- Overall Boston averages: 13.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.4 APG
Charlotte Hornets Era (2019-2024)
Hayward’s move to the Charlotte Hornets in 2019 marked a resurgence in his career. Over three and a half seasons, he became a key player for the Hornets:
- Best season (2020-21): 19.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.1 APG
- Overall Charlotte averages: 17.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.3 APG
His time with the Hornets showcased Hayward’s ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game, proving that he had successfully overcome his earlier injury struggles.
Final NBA Stop: Oklahoma City Thunder (2024)
Hayward’s NBA journey concluded with a brief stint at the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023-24 season. Though his numbers declined, he still provided valuable veteran leadership:
- Played 51 games for the Thunder
- Averaged 9.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG
Career Statistics and Achievements
Over his 14-year career, Hayward’s consistency and versatility were evident in his overall statistics:
- Games Played: 835
- Points Per Game: 15.2
- Rebounds Per Game: 4.4
- Assists Per Game: 3.5
- Three-Pointers Per Game: 1.3
- Minutes Per Game: 30.7
Key achievements include:
– NBA All-Star (2017)
– All-Rookie Second Team (2011)
– Horizon League Player of the Year (2010, college)
– Led Butler to NCAA Championship game (2010)
Reactions and Future Plans
The announcement of Hayward’s retirement was met with an outpouring of respect from fellow players and fans. P.J. Washington, who played alongside Hayward on the Charlotte Hornets, shared his thoughts on social media:
“Pleasure being able to share the floor with you bro, Congrats on a great career 🙏🏽”
This sentiment echoes the respect Hayward earned throughout his career for his work ethic, team-first attitude, and resilience in the face of adversity.
As for his post-retirement plans, Hayward is set to embark on a new venture in the entertainment industry. He has announced plans to launch a film distribution company, with his first project being the distribution of a film titled “Notice to Quit”. This move into the business world demonstrates Hayward’s ambition and desire to remain active and creative even after leaving the basketball court.
Legacy and Impact
Gordon Hayward’s NBA career, spanning 14 seasons and four teams, is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. From his rise to stardom with the Utah Jazz to overcoming a catastrophic injury in Boston, and his resurgence with the Charlotte Hornets, Hayward consistently demonstrated his value as a versatile player and respected teammate.
His career averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game reflect his well-rounded game and ability to contribute in multiple areas. Beyond the numbers, Hayward’s leadership and professionalism left a lasting impact on each organization he was a part of.
As Hayward transitions into his post-NBA life, his journey serves as an inspiration to young players, showcasing the importance of resilience, continuous improvement, and graceful adaptation to changing circumstances. His venture into the film industry also highlights the diverse opportunities available to athletes after their playing careers, setting an example for future generations of players looking to make an impact beyond the basketball court.
