Gordon Hayward, a versatile forward who played 14 seasons in the NBA, announced his retirement on social media. The ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz, Hayward became an All-Star in 2017 with Utah before joining the Boston Celtics as a free agent. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe leg injury in his first game for Boston, which sidelined him for a significant period.
Last season, Hayward played for the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 51 games. Despite being traded to Oklahoma City midseason, he didn't score in the seven playoff games he participated in.
Throughout his career, Hayward maintained averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He entered the NBA after a successful college career at Butler, where he led the Bulldogs to the 2010 championship game.
In his retirement announcement, Hayward expressed gratitude to his parents, family, agent, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He encouraged young players to dream big and improve every day, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
Looking ahead, Hayward plans to focus on spending time with his family and exploring new opportunities in business and life. He expressed excitement for the future and the challenges that lie ahead.
Hayward's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career in professional basketball, leaving a legacy of perseverance and determination that will inspire future generations of players.
