Former All-Star Gordon Hayward has announced his retirement from the NBA after 14 seasons. Hayward, who played for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets, was a key contributor on multiple playoff teams and averaged 15.3 points per game for his career.
Gordon Hayward, the former All-Star forward, has called it a career after 14 seasons in the NBA. Hayward, who played for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets, made the announcement on social media, calling his time in the league an "incredible ride."
"After 14 seasons in the NBA, I've decided to retire from the game I love," Hayward wrote. "It's been an incredible ride, filled with so many amazing memories and experiences. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have played at the highest level and to have shared the court with so many great players and coaches."
Gordon Hayward Calls It a Career After 14 NBA Seasons
Hayward, 33, was a key contributor on multiple playoff teams throughout his career. He was drafted by the Jazz with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and quickly became a fan favorite in Utah. Hayward averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during his seven seasons with the Jazz, helping the team reach the playoffs four times.
In 2017, Hayward signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Celtics, but his time in Boston was marred by injuries. He suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the season opener and missed the entire 2017-18 season. Hayward returned to action the following year, but he never fully regained his previous form.
Hayward was traded to the Hornets in 2020 and enjoyed a resurgence in Charlotte. He averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in his first season with the team and helped the Hornets reach the play-in tournament. Hayward's production declined slightly in his second season in Charlotte, but he remained a valuable contributor.
Overall, Hayward averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for his career. He was named to the All-Star team in 2017 and was also a member of the USA Basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Hayward's retirement marks the end of a successful NBA career. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass at a high level. He was also a respected leader and mentor for younger players. Hayward will be remembered as one of the best players of his generation and a true ambassador for the game of basketball.
In his retirement announcement, Hayward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NBA and said that he is excited for what the future holds.
"I want to thank my family, my friends, my coaches, my teammates, and all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career," Hayward wrote. "I'm so excited for what's next!"
Hayward's retirement leaves a void in the NBA, but his legacy will live on. He was a talented player and a true professional, and he will be missed by fans and players alike.
