Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward was selected as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Hayward, who had gained national attention for leading the Butler Bulldogs to the championship game of the NCAA tournament, was praised for his versatility and shooting ability. His college performance had made him a highly sought-after player in the draft, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Utah.

In July 2014, restricted free agent Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $63 million offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets. The Utah Jazz, however, quickly matched the offer, retaining Hayward's services. This move demonstrated Hayward's high value in the league, as multiple teams were interested in securing his talents due to his impressive development and performance with the Jazz.

Gordon Hayward scored a career-high 37 points during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 18, 2015. His outstanding performance helped the Utah Jazz clinch a victory, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the court. Hayward's growing leadership role and consistency were key factors in the Jazz's development as a competitive team in the league, and his career-high emphasized his potential as a star player.

Gordon Hayward was named the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week for the week ending January 18, 2016. This recognition came as a result of his exceptional performance during that week, where he averaged 24.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Hayward's dynamic play was instrumental in leading the Utah Jazz to several important victories, and this accolade highlighted his rising stature in the league.

Gordon Hayward was selected for his first NBA All-Star Game in February 2017, representing the Utah Jazz. Selected as a reserve, Hayward's inclusion in the All-Star roster was a testament to his impressive performance throughout the season. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game leading up to the selection. This achievement was a significant milestone in Hayward's career, affirming his status as one of the top players in the league.

On July 6, 2017, Gordon Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics, reuniting with his college coach, Brad Stevens. The deal was worth $128 million over four years. This major move was seen as a turning point for the Celtics, who were looking to enhance their roster with the addition of an All-Star player who had proven his ability to perform at a high level in the NBA. Hayward was expected to be a key player for the team.

Gordon Hayward was officially introduced by the Boston Celtics in a press conference on July 26, 2017. This introduction marked the beginning of what was expected to be a transformative period for the Celtics. Brad Stevens, the Celtics' head coach, was particularly excited about reuniting with Hayward, who had previously played under Stevens during their time at Butler University. The Celtics were eager to integrate Hayward's skills into their system.

In a devastating blow to his career plans, Gordon Hayward suffered a severe leg injury on October 17, 2017, during the Celtics' season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The injury, which involved a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle, put Hayward out for the entire season. This incident was a major setback for Hayward, who had just joined the Celtics and was expected to play a pivotal role in the team's success.

Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets on November 21, 2020. This deal marked a significant move for Hayward, who had opted out of his contract with the Boston Celtics. His departure from Boston and commitment to Charlotte was seen as a major acquisition for the Hornets, bringing in the experience and skill of a seasoned player to bolster the team's competitiveness in the league.

On April 2, 2021, Gordon Hayward suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the NBA season. This setback was a disappointment for Hayward and the Charlotte Hornets, who were looking to make a strong playoff push. The injury disrupted the team's chemistry and posed a challenge as they adjusted to Hayward's absence. Nonetheless, Hayward remained a key figure for the Hornets, contributing to the team's success prior to his injury.