Gordon Hayward is an American professional basketball player who has played for several NBA teams, most notably the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets. He first gained national attention for his standout performance at Butler University.
Gordon Daniel Hayward was born on March 23, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Gordon Scott Hayward and Jody Hayward. His father played a major role in his development as a basketball player, focusing on improving his ball-handling, court vision, and overall guard skills. Gordon was raised in Brownsburg, a suburb near Indianapolis, where he dreamed of reaching the NBA from the age of five. He also has a twin sister, Heather Hayward, who played tennis for Butler University.
Hayward played college basketball at Butler University, where he quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top prospects. He led the Butler Bulldogs to the NCAA Championship game in 2010, coming within inches of delivering a historic victory with a half-court shot that narrowly missed. His performance solidified his reputation as a skilled and clutch player, making him a top prospect for the NBA Draft.
Following his breakout collegiate career, Hayward declared for the 2010 NBA Draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility. Represented by agent Mark Bartelstein, he was selected ninth overall by the Utah Jazz. Over his time with the Jazz, Hayward progressively improved, and during the 2012–13 season, he placed third in the voting for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. With the departures of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson in 2013, Hayward assumed a larger role as the team’s primary offensive option, posting career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
On July 14, 2017, Hayward signed a four-year contract with the Boston Celtics. Just six minutes into his debut regular season game for the Celtics on October 17, 2017, he suffered a devastating injury: a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg. The injury sidelined him for the entire season. Despite a long and difficult recovery process, Hayward returned to action, striving to regain his pre-injury form.
| Net Worth 2021: | 60 million |
