Gordon Hayward, a former NBA All-Star and versatile forward, announced his retirement from professional basketball on Thursday, ending a 14-season career marked by resilience and remarkable achievements. Hayward shared the news via social media, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his career.
The announcement, made on August 1, 2024, marks the end of a career that began in 2010 when Hayward was drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz. In his retirement post, Hayward stated, “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”
Hayward’s NBA career has been defined by both high points and significant challenges. After being drafted by the Jazz, he quickly established himself as a versatile and skilled forward, earning an All-Star selection in 2017, his final season with Utah. That summer, he signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Boston Celtics, poised to take the next step in his career.
However, Hayward’s time in Boston was marred by a devastating leg injury he suffered in his first game with the team on October 17, 2017. The injury, which occurred just six minutes into the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, was a compound fracture of his left tibia and dislocated ankle. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2017-2018 season and required another full season for him to return to his pre-injury form.
Despite this setback, Hayward remained a valuable player. He went on to play for the Charlotte Hornets, where he continued to demonstrate his on-court versatility. Last season, Hayward split his time between the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over 51 games, he averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. However, his postseason performance with the Thunder was less impactful, as he did not score in the seven playoff games he appeared in.
Overall, Hayward finishes his career with averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His statistics highlight a player who was not only a scorer but also contributed across the board, showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ.
Before entering the NBA, Hayward made a name for himself at Butler University, where he played under head coach Brad Stevens. His most memorable college moment came during the 2010 NCAA Championship game against Duke, where he led the underdog Bulldogs in a thrilling game. Hayward nearly secured the national title for Butler with a half-court shot at the buzzer, which famously rimmed out, leaving Butler just short of an improbable victory.
This moment, often replayed in college basketball highlight reels, cemented Hayward’s status as a clutch player and a leader, attributes that he carried into his professional career.
In his retirement message, Hayward expressed deep appreciation for the support he received from various people throughout his career, including his parents, family, agent Mark Bartelstein, coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors, and friends. He mentioned that there were “too many people” to thank individually but acknowledged their crucial roles in his journey.
“To all my fans: thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs. I’ll always cherish the letters of encouragement and the moments we’ve shared around the world. You inspired me to always dream big and improve every day — and for the young players up next, I challenge you to do the same!”
Gordon Hayward addressed his fans
Looking ahead, Hayward expressed his excitement about spending more time with his family, focusing on his role as a father and husband, and exploring new adventures and challenges outside of basketball. He hinted at pursuing opportunities in business and life, taking with him the lessons learned on the court.
As the basketball world bids farewell to Gordon Hayward, his career serves as a testament to resilience and determination. From his rise at Butler to overcoming significant injuries in the NBA, Hayward’s journey is one that will be remembered by fans and peers alike.
