Fans Give Gordon Hayward An Ear Full In Long Awaited Return
Due to an unfortunate injury that ended his season minutes into the Celtics first game last year, Gordon Hayward’s return to the place he once called home was put on hold.
The Jazz are doing just fine these days, but fans in Salt Lake City weren’t in the mood to allow Gordon Hayward’s redemption story cloud his heartbreaking decision to leave them last year.
Jazz fans booed the All-Star forward at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday night when he was being introduced before the game.
Hayward, smiling, seemed to embrace the boos and expected them as he continued to work his way back from a devastating leg injury.
There was no tribute video to speak of, as Jazz players like Rudy Gobert were outspoken about Gordon Hayward’s departure that appeared to blindside the entire team and organization.
Gordon Hayward hears it from Utah crowd during player intros.
(via @Marc_DAmico)pic.twitter.com/aST90FGT1k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 10, 2018
The Jazz fans let Gordon Hayward have it during introductions and now every time he touches the ball. pic.twitter.com/dRZmx6jtMk
— David James (@DavidDJJames) November 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1061089481120342016/photo/1
Gordon Hayward was drafted with the ninth pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. He would spend seven seasons in Utah before deciding to leave in free agency to join the Boston Celtics in July 2017.
Hayward is averaging 9.9 PPG, his lowest scoring average since his rookie year when he averaged 5.4 PPG off the bench for the Utah Jazz.
What are your thoughts on Utah fans booing Gordon Hayward?