Gordon hayward has retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, he announced on social media Thursday.
“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.” versatile forward, Hayward — the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Utah jazz- was an All-Star in 2017 with Utah before signing with the Boston Celtics as a free agent that summer. Hayward suffered a gruesome leg injury in his first game for Boston, an injury that cost him that season and saw him need another one to round back into form.
In the last season, Hayward averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 51 games with the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Midseason, he was traded to Oklahoma City in a deal that the Thunder believed would bolster their playoff performance. However, Hayward did not score in seven playoff games.
At 34, Hayward concludes his NBA career with averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Gordon Hayward transitioned to the NBA following an outstanding college career at Butler, where he guided the Bulldogs to the 2010 championship game against Duke.
Expressing gratitude, Hayward acknowledged there were “too many people” to thank, extending appreciation to his parents, family, agent Mark Bartelstein, coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors, and friends for their support “across numerous years and cities, aiding me in surpassing my own expectations.”
“To all my fans: thank you for your support during the highs and lows,” he penned. “The letters of encouragement and the shared moments worldwide will always be treasured. You’ve motivated me to consistently aim high and improve daily — and to the upcoming young players, I pose the same challenge!
“As I shift my focus to spending more time with my family as a father and husband, I’m excited for new ventures and challenges, armed with the lessons from the court that will steer me through future endeavors in business and life.
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