Gordon Hayward Ends All-Star Career
Former Jazz, Celtics Forward Announces Retirement
Ending a 10-season NBA career, Gordon Hayward retires as an All-Star, two-time Olympian, and one-time NCAA Champion.
Hayward made the announcement in a press conference on Monday, citing his recent injury history as the primary reason for his decision. "The rehab process is just hard...I've been playing a long time but its taking a toll on me and I can't do it anymore." Hayward said in an emotional address. Hayward was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 9th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. He spent seven seasons with the Jazz, averaging 15.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. In 2017, he signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics. He played three seasons with the Celtics, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Hayward was a key member of the Celtics team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018 and 2020. He was also a member of the Celtics team that won the NBA championship in 2018. In 2019, he was named an All-Star for the first time.
Hayward's career was derailed by a gruesome injury that he suffered in the first game of the 2017-18 season. He dislocated his left ankle and fractured his left tibia. He missed the entire 2017-18 season and did not return to full strength until the 2019-20 season.
Hayward's retirement is a blow to the NBA. He was one of the most versatile players in the league and was capable of scoring, rebounding, and passing at a high level. He was also a respected leader and was a key part of the Celtics' success in recent years.
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