One-time All-Star and former Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward has announced his retirement from the NBA after 14 seasons.
Hayward made the announcement on social media on Thursday, August 1.
“Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball,” Hayward wrote. “It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”
Hayward first joined the Utah Jazz as the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. The former Butler Bulldog started slowly, averaging 16.9 minutes and 5.4 points per game as a rookie. However, after acclimating to the league, Hayward’s scoring average increased each of his first seven years, peaking at a career-high of 21.9 points in the 2016-17 season.
A remade physique allowed Hayward to earn his only All-Star appearance in his final season with the Jazz. After a four-year playoff hiatus, he helped lead the Jazz back to the postseason in 2017. Hayward averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 11 playoff games, including a seven-game series upset win over the heavily favored Los Angeles Clippers.
Over 516 appearances with the Utah Jazz, Hayward averaged 15.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting 44 percent from the floor and 37 percent from the three-point line.
Hayward ranks among the top ten in Jazz history for three-pointers made (fourth), free throws (sixth), assists (ninth), steals (tenth), and points (ninth). He is also one of 16 Jazz players to be selected to the All-Star team.
Hayward also played for the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets before ending his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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