Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] Former NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward has announced his retirement via a statement on social media. The 34-year-old thanked his coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors, friends, family, fans, parents, and wife Robyn for their support throughout his career.
“God has blessed me with an amazing journey, one that has taken turns I couldn’t have expected or dreamed of as a kid in Brownsburg, Indiana,” Hayward wrote. “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”
Hayward last played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who acquired him in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets last season. He played sparingly and expressed frustration after OKC’s playoff elimination. There were rumors of interest from a top Western Conference team, but Hayward chose to retire.
Over 14 NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Hornets, and Thunder, Hayward averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was named an All-Star in 2017, his best scoring season with 21.9 points per game.