1. Early Life and Amateur Career
Gordon Daniel Hayward was born on March 23, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in Brownsburg, a small town located in the suburbs of Indiana's capital. His parents are Jody and Gordon Scott Hayward. He has a twin sister named Heather, who also played tennis for Butler University. From a young age, Hayward showed a strong preference for basketball over other sports.
1.1. High School Career
Hayward attended Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana. During his time there, he experienced a significant growth spurt, increasing in height from 5 in as a freshman to 6 in by his senior year. Before this growth spurt, Hayward found more success in tennis, where he was a two-time all-state singles player.
As a senior in the 2007-08 season, Hayward averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He and his teammate Julian Mavunga led Brownsburg to the Indiana Class 4A state championship. In the title game against Marion High School, Hayward made the game-winning basket at the buzzer, securing a 40-39 victory. For his performance, he was selected Second-team all-state by the Associated Press and First-team all-state by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. He also received the Indianapolis Star Player of the Year award and the IHSAA Arthur L. Trester Award in Class 4A. Hayward was chosen to represent Indiana in the 2008 Indiana - Kentucky Boys All-Star Game, which Indiana ultimately won.
1.2. College Career
Hayward was initially listed as an unranked three-star prospect by the recruiting website Rivals.com. Despite late interest from prominent programs like Purdue and the Michigan, he accepted a scholarship offer from Butler University, where he played under coach Brad Stevens.
As a freshman with the Bulldogs during the 2008-09 season, Hayward averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. His strong performance earned him the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year award, and he was also selected to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team and the All-Horizon League First Team. The Bulldogs secured the Horizon League regular season title but lost to Cleveland State in the championship game of the 2009 Horizon League men's basketball tournament. Butler received an at-large bid to the 2009 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament but was defeated by the LSU Tigers in the First Round.
In his sophomore year, the 2009-10 season, Hayward was nominated for various preseason All-America teams and Player of the Year awards. He averaged 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The Butler Bulldogs achieved significant success, winning both the Horizon League regular season title and the 2010 Horizon League men's basketball tournament. Hayward was named the Horizon League Men's Basketball Player of the Year and was again selected to the All-Horizon League First Team. Additionally, he received AP All-American Honorable Mention and ESPN Third-team Academic All-American honors.
Hayward's collegiate career culminated in the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game against Duke. In the final seconds of the game, with Butler trailing, Hayward attempted a game-winning, buzzer-beating half-court shot that hit both the backboard and the rim before bouncing away, a play that is widely considered one of the most well-known in NCAA tournament history. Despite the loss, Hayward was selected to the All-Tournament Team.
2. Professional Career
Gordon Hayward's professional basketball career began after his sophomore year at Butler, where he was drafted by the Utah Jazz. He would go on to play for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder before his retirement.
2.1. Utah Jazz (2010-2017)
Hayward was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. He had submitted his name for consideration without immediately hiring an agent, but ultimately decided to forgo his final two seasons of college eligibility and officially entered the NBA draft, hiring Mark Bartelstein as his agent.
2.1.1. 2010-2013: Early years
As a rookie in the 2010-11 season, Hayward initially came off the bench and saw limited playing time under long-time veteran coach Jerry Sloan, who preferred more experienced players. Sloan's resignation in February 2011, following an argument during a game, coincided with the trade of star point guard Deron Williams. These events surprisingly benefited Hayward, as he received significantly more playing time under interim coach Ty Corbin. On April 5, 2011, Hayward delivered a notable performance in an 86-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He ended his rookie season by setting a then-career high of 34 points in a 107-103 win over the Denver Nuggets on April 13.
In his sophomore season, 2011-12, Hayward established himself in the starting lineup. He was selected to play in the 2012 NBA Rising Stars Challenge game, where he scored 14 points for Team Chuck as his team won. Hayward made his NBA playoffs debut against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, where the Jazz were swept 4-0. In the four playoff games, he averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.8 steals in 30.8 minutes per game. For the 2012-13 season, Hayward primarily served as a sixth man, but still managed to average a career high in points per game (11.8). He even received a third-place vote for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
2.1.2. 2013-2016: Breakthrough
Following the departures of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson during the 2013 offseason, Hayward emerged as the Jazz's primary offensive threat. In the 2013-14 season, he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. On January 7, 2014, Hayward scored a then-career-high 37 points in a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. After the season, Hayward became a restricted free agent. On July 10, 2014, he received a four-year, 63.00 M USD maximum contract offer from the Charlotte Hornets. However, just two days later, the Jazz matched the offer sheet, successfully re-signing Hayward.
In the 2014-15 season, Hayward continued his upward trajectory, averaging a career high in points per game. On November 14, 2014, he scored a season-high 33 points in a 102-100 win over the New York Knicks. For the 2015-16 season, he again averaged a career high in points per game. On January 18, 2016, Hayward scored a season-high 36 points in a 124-119 double-overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets. On February 9, 2016, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Hayward made a game-winning buzzer-beater shot in overtime to secure a 119-119 victory.
2.1.3. 2016-2017: All-Star selection
On October 7, 2016, Hayward suffered a fracture of the fourth finger on his left hand, delaying the start of his 2016-17 season. He made his season debut on November 6, scoring 28 points in a 114-109 win over the New York Knicks. This season marked his sixth consecutive year of improving his points per game average. On January 26, 2017, Hayward was selected to the 2017 NBA All-Star Game by the vote of Western Conference coaches, marking his first career All-Star selection.
He continued to excel, scoring a season-high 36 points in a 112-105 overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on February 9, 2017. On March 2, 2017, he recorded a then-career-high 38 points in a 107-100 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Hayward set a new career high on April 7, 2017, scoring 39 points in a 120-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the playoffs, on April 21, 2017, during Game 3 of the Jazz's first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hayward scored a playoff-career-high 40 points in a 111-106 loss. His 21 points in the first quarter of Game 3 set a franchise playoff record for any one quarter. In Game 7 of the series on April 30, he scored 26 points as the Jazz eliminated the Clippers with a 104-91 victory, closing out the series 4-3 and earning the franchise's first postseason series win since 2010. The Jazz ultimately lost in the second round to the Golden State Warriors in 4 games. In June, Hayward declined his player option for the upcoming season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
2.2. Boston Celtics (2017-2020)
On July 4, 2017, Hayward announced through The Players' Tribune that he would sign with the Boston Celtics. He officially signed with the Celtics on July 14 to a reported four-year, 128.00 M USD contract. This move reunited him with his college coach, Brad Stevens, as Hayward sought to compete for a championship.
However, his Celtics tenure began with a devastating injury. On October 17, 2017, less than six minutes into the Celtics' regular-season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg. The injury occurred after he landed awkwardly on the hardwood following an attempted alley-oop pass from Kyrie Irving, causing his leg to collapse under his weight. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the 2017-18 season after undergoing surgery. Despite making considerable progress in his recovery, he needed a second surgery in March 2018, which further sidelined him. He missed the Celtics' deep playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they eventually lost in seven games to the same Cleveland Cavaliers team against whom he sustained his injury.
On October 16, 2018, Hayward played in his first regular season game since the ankle injury. He recorded 10 points and five rebounds in 25 minutes during a 105-87 season-opening win over the Philadelphia 76ers. On December 1, 2018, he scored a season-high 30 points in a 118-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. On January 2, 2019, Hayward set a new season-high with 35 points in a 115-102 win, again against the Timberwolves. On April 21, he scored a playoff-high 20 points in a 110-106 win over the Indiana Pacers. For most of the 2018-19 campaign, Hayward was limited to a bench role, starting only 18 out of 72 regular season games and none in the playoffs.
In the 2019-20 season, Hayward often played as a power forward due to the team's composition, which included Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart. He showed signs of a return to his All-Star form, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. On November 5, 2019, he matched his regular-season career high with 39 points in a 119-116 win over the Cavaliers. However, on November 9, he fractured his left hand in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, though he returned from the injury on December 9, 2019. On August 17, 2020, during the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, Hayward suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain after improperly landing on teammate Daniel Theis' foot while jumping for a rebound. He returned to play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat on September 20, though in a minimal capacity, as the Heat went on to eliminate the Celtics in 6 games. In November, he declined his 34.20 M USD player option with the Celtics, opting to become an unrestricted free agent.
2.3. Charlotte Hornets (2020-2024)
On November 29, 2020, Hayward was part of a sign-and-trade deal. The Celtics first signed him to a four-year, 120.00 M USD contract, and then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets, along with 2023 and 2024 second-round draft picks, in exchange for a conditional 2022 second-round draft pick. This trade also allowed the Boston Celtics to create an NBA record 28.50 M USD traded-player exception.
On December 23, 2020, Hayward made his Hornets debut, putting up 28 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in a 121-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On January 6, 2021, Hayward set a new career-high of 44 points in a 102-94 win over the Atlanta Hawks. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
His tenure with the Hornets was also marked by recurring injury challenges. On December 5, 2021, Hayward scored a season-high 41 points, along with five rebounds and three assists, in a 131-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs. However, on February 7, 2022, he suffered an ankle injury in a 101-116 loss to the Toronto Raptors, and two days later, he was diagnosed with sprained ligaments in his left ankle, ruling him out indefinitely. He returned from injury on April 2, but on April 10, he was again ruled out for at least two weeks with discomfort in his left foot. The Hornets were subsequently eliminated from the play-in tournament by the Atlanta Hawks, a game Hayward did not play in.
On November 3, 2022, the Hornets announced that Hayward had suffered a left shoulder contusion and would be out indefinitely. He returned on November 18, recording 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in a 132-122 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On November 25, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, revealed that Hayward was diagnosed with a fractured left shoulder, sidelining him indefinitely and requiring week-to-week evaluation. Hayward returned to the lineup on December 16. He also missed eight games in January 2023 due to left hamstring soreness. On February 24, 2023, Hayward recorded season-highs of 27 points and 13 rebounds, alongside five assists and two steals, in a 121-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2.4. Oklahoma City Thunder (2024)
On February 8, 2024, Hayward was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Dāvis Bertāns, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micić, a 2024 second-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and cash considerations. He made his Thunder debut on February 22, pulling in four rebounds in a 129-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Hayward struggled to fit into the Thunder's team strategy and was not given sufficient playing opportunities, leading to his career-worst average points, excluding his injury-shortened 2017-18 season.
3. National Team Career
Hayward was selected as a member of the United States team for the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship. He averaged 10 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as Team USA won the championship, and he was selected to the FIBA Under-19 World Cup All-Tournament Team.
In 2012, Hayward was selected as a member of the USA Basketball Select Team that trained against the United States Olympic team. In 2014, he was named a finalist for the United States FIBA Basketball World Cup team but ultimately did not make the final 12-man roster. He was also named a finalist for the United States Olympic team in 2016 but withdrew his name from consideration, citing "family obligations."
4. Retirement
On August 1, 2024, Gordon Hayward officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on social media, concluding his 14-season career in the NBA.
5. Personal Life
Gordon Hayward is the son of Jody and Gordon Scott Hayward. He has a twin sister, Heather, who played tennis for Butler University.
In 2014, Hayward married Robyn Van Vliet. They have four children: three daughters, born in 2015, 2016, and 2019, and a son, born in 2020. Their son was born while Hayward was participating in the NBA Bubble.
Hayward is a Christian and has publicly stated that he plays basketball "for the glory of God." In 2024, he became Catholic, and was formally received into the Church by Archbishop Timothy Broglio at the church of San Sebastiano fuori le mura in Rome.
While at Butler University, Hayward initially enrolled in a dual degree program, studying computer engineering and physics. He later changed his major to mathematics but left early to pursue his NBA career.
6. Other Activities and Interests
Beyond his professional basketball career, Gordon Hayward has engaged in various activities and developed notable interests, particularly in the fields of advertising, esports, and film production.
6.1. Advertising and Endorsements
Hayward has secured several significant endorsement deals throughout his career. In 2018, he signed an endorsement deal with Chinese sports footwear and apparel company Anta, which included the debut of his signature shoe line. Prior to Anta, Hayward had endorsement deals with Peak and Nike. In 2018, he also appeared in advertisements for Unilever's line of men's bodycare products during the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
6.2. Esports and Gaming
Hayward is well-known for his strong interest in video games and esports. He has cited League of Legends as his favorite esport. He is also active in mobile games such as Clash Royale, where he created a clan that invited friends and fans to compete and socialize. Hayward is an investor in Tribe Gaming, a mobile gaming esports organization. In October 2018, League of Legends developer Riot Games released an animated commercial in support of Hayward's recovery from his ankle injury while playing for the Boston Celtics.
Hayward has also appeared in commercials for the IGN Pro League and competed in StarCraft II during IGN Pro League 3 in 2011. His esports and gaming endorsements include partnerships with HyperX, Xfinity, and AutoFull. In August 2019, he signed an honorary lifetime contract with Hupu, a Chinese League of Legends team, to serve as its midlaner. Hayward is also a fan of chess; he started playing against his mother when he was young and returned to the game during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2022, he joined Chess.com as a streaming partner under the username "gdhayward" on Twitch.
6.3. Movie Production
In 2023, Hayward's production company, Whiskey Creek Productions, released its first feature film, Notice to Quit, a drama starring Michael Zegen. Hayward is listed as one of the executive producers of the film, alongside Simon Hacker. He spent time at the Skywalker Ranch for the movie's post-production. Hayward has also ventured into the film industry by starting a movie distribution company.
7. Career Statistics
7.1. NBA
7.1.1. Regular Season
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | Utah Jazz | 72 | 17 | 16.9 | .485 | .473 | .711 | 1.9 | 1.1 | .4 | .3 | 5.4 |
| 2011-12 | Utah Jazz | 66 | 58 | 30.5 | .456 | .346 | .832 | 3.5 | 3.1 | .8 | 0.6 | 11.8 |
| 2012-13 | Utah Jazz | 72 | 27 | 29.2 | .435 | .415 | .827 | 3.1 | 3.0 | .8 | .5 | 14.1 |
| 2013-14 | Utah Jazz | 77 | 77 | 36.4 | .413 | .304 | .816 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 1.4 | .5 | 16.2 |
| 2014-15 | Utah Jazz | 76 | 76 | 34.4 | .445 | .364 | .812 | 4.9 | 4.1 | 1.4 | .4 | 19.3 |
| 2015-16 | Utah Jazz | 80 | 80 | 36.2 | .433 | .349 | .824 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 1.2 | .3 | 19.7 |
| 2016-17 | Utah Jazz | 73 | 73 | 34.5 | .471 | .398 | .844 | 5.4 | 3.5 | 1.0 | .3 | 21.9 |
| 2017-18 | Boston Celtics | 1 | 1 | 5.3 | .500 | .000 | - | 1.0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 2.0 |
| 2018-19 | Boston Celtics | 72 | 18 | 25.9 | .466 | .333 | .834 | 4.5 | 3.4 | .9 | .3 | 11.5 |
| 2019-20 | Boston Celtics | 52 | 52 | 33.5 | .500 | .383 | .855 | 6.7 | 4.1 | .7 | .4 | 17.5 |
| 2020-21 | Charlotte Hornets | 44 | 44 | 34.0 | .473 | .415 | .843 | 5.9 | 4.1 | 1.2 | .3 | 19.6 |
| 2021-22 | Charlotte Hornets | 49 | 48 | 31.9 | .459 | .391 | .846 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 1.0 | .4 | 15.9 |
| 2022-23 | Charlotte Hornets | 50 | 50 | 31.5 | .475 | .325 | .811 | 4.3 | 4.1 | .8 | .2 | 14.7 |
| 2023-24 | Charlotte Hornets | 25 | 25 | 31.9 | .468 | .361 | .765 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 1.1 | .5 | 14.5 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 26 | 3 | 17.2 | .453 | .517 | .692 | 2.5 | 1.6 | .5 | .0 | 5.3 | |
| Career | 835 | 649 | 30.7 | .455 | .370 | .822 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 1.0 | .4 | 15.2 | |
| All-Star | 1 | 0 | 17.3 | .571 | .000 | - | 1.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | .0 | 8.0 | |
7.1.2. Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Utah Jazz | 4 | 4 | 30.6 | .182 | .083 | 1.000 | 2.8 | 3.0 | .8 | .0 | 7.3 |
| 2017 | Utah Jazz | 11 | 11 | 37.3 | .441 | .412 | .934 | 6.1 | 3.4 | .9 | .3 | 24.1 |
| 2019 | Boston Celtics | 9 | 0 | 29.6 | .414 | .375 | 1.000 | 3.7 | 2.4 | .7 | .3 | 9.6 |
| 2020 | Boston Celtics | 5 | 1 | 31.4 | .400 | .292 | .875 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 1.4 | .4 | 10.8 |
| 2024 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 7 | 0 | 6.6 | .000 | - | - | 1.9 | .4 | .1 | .1 | .0 |
| Career | 36 | 16 | 27.9 | .401 | .352 | .950 | 4.1 | 2.4 | .8 | .3 | 12.1 | |
7.2. College
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | Butler | 32 | 32 | 32.7 | .479 | .448 | .815 | 6.5 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 13.1 |
| 2009-10 | Butler | 37 | 37 | 33.5 | .464 | .294 | .829 | 8.2 | 1.7 | 1.1 | .8 | 15.5 |
| Career | 69 | 69 | 33.1 | .470 | .369 | .824 | 7.4 | 1.8 | 1.3 | .9 | 14.4 | |
8. Assessment and Legacy
Gordon Hayward's career is marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges, primarily stemming from injuries. He demonstrated remarkable development from a highly successful high school and college player, leading Butler University to a Cinderella run in the NCAA Championship game, to an NBA All-Star. His initial years with the Utah Jazz saw him grow into a primary scoring option and team leader, earning a max contract.
His move to the Boston Celtics was anticipated to elevate his career to championship contention, but a severe leg injury just minutes into his first game with the team dramatically altered his trajectory. Despite dedicated efforts at recovery and flashes of his former self, he never consistently regained his pre-injury athleticism and performance level. His subsequent years with the Charlotte Hornets were similarly hampered by recurring injuries, limiting his availability and impact. While his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was brief and less productive, it marked the final chapter of a professional career defined by both exceptional talent and persistent physical setbacks.
Hayward's legacy is that of a versatile wing player with strong shooting and playmaking abilities, who, had he remained healthy, might have achieved even greater individual and team success. His resilience in returning from multiple significant injuries is a testament to his determination. Beyond basketball, his pioneering interest and active involvement in the esports and gaming communities also set him apart, showcasing a multifaceted identity.