Gordon Hayward is no stranger when it comes to getting injured and this was something that Charlotte Hornets inherited. The 30-year-old suffered a finger injury recently and has been listed as day-to-day.
Hayward suffered the injury in their game against the Toronto Raptors. The All-Star forward had a pair of decent outings but will have to be sidelined. For those who have been following the career of the 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, this is nothing new.
However, it is a development that raises questions once more. Most know how his move to the Boston Celtics started on the wrong foot. He suffered a serious leg injury in his very first game as a Celtic and this paved the way for an injury-riddled career.
Gordon Hayward has suffered an avulsion fracture of his fifth finger on his right hand pic.twitter.com/GdFHn69BvK — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2020
In an official statement via the team’s Twitter account, Hayward reportedly suffered an avulsion fracture of his fifth finger in his right hand. He sustained it against the Raptors and will miss their next assignment against the Orlando Magic.
Hayward debuted for the Hornets against Toronto with 14 points, six assists and four rebounds. In the second game, he made 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Though decent, his durability for the 2020-21 season is what should concern the Hornets.
Hayward could have opted in and stayed with the Celtics. But probably aware he could be traded, he opted to sign a four-year $120 million deal with the Hornets. The 6-foot-7 forward went for security than big money, something he got with Charlotte.
However, it was a deal that left most bewildered. Hayward is a risky investment in the eyes of pundits and has struggled to stay healthy all season long. Also, his production has dipped dramatically since leaving the Utah Jazz in 2017.
With the Celtics last season, Hayward played in 52 regular-season games. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes of action. It remains to be seen if he can improve those numbers with the Hornets.
Seeing how the Hornets need a leader, Hayward could be that guy. The only problem is that he needs to be 100-percent healthy for that to happen.
At any rate, a likely move by the Hornets is to preserve him until the season opens on Dec. 22. But even with added rest, there is no promise that Hayward will be sturdy for Charlotte this coming NBA season.
