Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward's Biography

Gordon Daniel Hayward, an American former professional basketball player, was born on March 23, 1990. Known for his lightning quick agility and unyielding dedication to the game, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for a total of 14 seasons, making a mark for himself on multiple teams including the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Born to parents Gordon Scott Hayward and Jody Hayward, his initial career aspirations revolved around tennis. In his early high school years, he was regarded as an exceptional tennis player. However, as he grew, increasing from 5’11” when he joined high school to 6’7″ by the time he was graduating, so too did his interests and it was there on the local basketball court that he found his true calling.

His time spent at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana, allowed for his talent and dedication to the sport to flourish. Managing to juggle the demands of his evolving athleticism with the academic rigour of school, Hayward showed promise and thrived. As a senior, his average was an impressive 18.0 points, along with 8.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. This, paired with his winning basket in the championship game against Marion High School, led to his selection as Indianapolis Star Player of the Year.

While his true talents lay in basketball, Hayward remained unranked and was considered a three-star prospect by the recruiting website Rivals.com. However, Butler University, recognizing the potential that lay within Hayward, offered him a scholarship which he accepted, resulting in the start of his prolific collegiate basketball career.

While attending Butler, Hayward led the university’s men’s basketball team, the Butler Bulldogs, to numerous victories. His final game there, perhaps one of the most notable highlights of his career, was the championship game of the 2010 NCAA tournament where, despite a heartbreaking loss to Duke, his final half-court shot, a shot that barely missed, cemented his place as a star player in NCAA history.

Shortly thereafter, Hayward made his professional ambitions clear and entered the 2010 NBA draft. He was selected by the Utah Jazz as the ninth overall pick and began his 7-year stint with the team. During that time, he slowly assumed the mantle of the team’s primary offensive threat following the departure of notable players like Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. This culminated in him receiving the honor of being selected to the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

In 2017, Hayward shifted gears and signed with the Boston Celtics as a free agent. Unfortunately, this excitement was quickly soured by a tragic injury just five minutes into the season opener—an accident that resulted in a fractured tibia and a dislocated ankle. This injury put a pause on his newly started Celtics career. After extensive treatment and rest, Hayward returned to basketball, and played for two more seasons with the Celtics before being moved to the Hornets as part of a sign-and-trade agreement in November 2020.

Hayward’s time with the Hornets wasn’t injury-free either and saw him dealing with a number of setbacks. Despite these, he continued to demonstrate his unwavering passion and dedication to the game. In his Hornets debut, he demonstrated his resilience, putting up 28 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Further proving his commitment and skill, Hayward set a new career-high, making 44 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks in 2021.

Hayward’s basketball journey has been far from smooth, plagued with significant injuries, but he has never let them deter him from the game he loves. With a relentless spirit, undeniable passion for the sport, and perseverance that’s unmatched, his journey is a testament to the sheer power of determination and resolve. From a tennis player in a small town to a household name in professional basketball, Hayward’s story is truly a captivating tale of personal growth and professional achievement.