Gordon Hayward posted on his social media account on Thursday that he has stepped down from his NBA career after playing in 14 seasons.
“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, a prolific forward, was the ninth overall pick in the draft by the Utah Jazz in the 2010 NBA. He became an All-Star in 2017 with Utah before he was plurchased by the Boston Celtics as a free agent that summer.
Hayward was down with a gruesome leg injury in the first match he played for Boston, which did not provide him the opportunity that season.
Hayward averaged 9.8 points last season, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 51 games with both the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was purchased by Oklahoma City at the midseason as part of a contract that the Thunder thought would assist them in the playoffs. Hayward still didn’t score a point in seven playoff games.
Hayward, who is currently 34, ended his NBA career with averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Hayward gained access to the NBA after a beautiful college career that he displayed at Butler, where he helped the Bulldogs team to the 2010 championship game against Duke. He tried a half-court, buzzer-beating shot that would have handed Butler the title, but it was rather rimmed out.
Hayward showed gratitude to his parents and family, his agent Mark Bartelstein, coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors, and friends for supporting him “through countless years and cities, helping me exceed my own expectations, and saying “there are too many people” to thank.”
“To all my fans: thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs,” he wrote. “I’ll always cherish the letters of encouragement and the moments we’ve shared around the world. You inspired me to always dream big and improve everyday — and for the young players up next, I challenge you to do the same!
“As I move to spend more time with my family as a father and husband, I look forward to new adventures and challenges, taking with me the lessons I’ve learned on the court that will guide me across my next chapters, both in business and in life.
“I can’t wait for what’s next!”
