History of Gordon Hayward in Timeline
Gordon Daniel Hayward is a retired American basketball player. He played for several NBA teams, including the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
March 23, 1990: Birth of Gordon Hayward
On March 23, 1990, Gordon Daniel Hayward was born. He would go on to become an American former professional basketball player.
2007: Hayward's Senior Year of High School Begins
In 2007, Gordon Hayward began his senior year at Brownsburg High School, averaging an impressive 18 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
2008: Hayward's Freshman Year at Butler University
Gordon Hayward began his freshman year at Butler University in 2008, where he continued to excel, averaging 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
2008: Hayward Leads Brownsburg to State Championship
In 2008, Hayward and teammate Julian Mavunga led Brownsburg to the Indiana Class 4A state championship. Hayward hit the game-winning buzzer-beater to secure the victory. He received several accolades, including Indianapolis Star Player of the Year and the IHSAA Arthur L. Trester Award. He also played in the Indiana – Kentucky Boys All-Star Game.
2009: Hayward's Sophomore Year at Butler
Hayward began his sophomore year at Butler University in 2009, receiving preseason All-America nominations and Player of the Year awards.
2009: Hayward Wins Gold with Team USA at FIBA U19 World Championship
In 2009, Gordon Hayward was selected to represent the United States at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship. He played a key role in Team USA's gold medal victory, showcasing his talent on the international stage. For his outstanding performance, he was named to the All-Tournament Team.
2009: Hayward Named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year
In 2009, Hayward was recognized for his outstanding performance as a freshman at Butler University, earning the title of Horizon League Newcomer of the Year.
May 2010: Hayward Declares for the NBA Draft
In May 2010, Gordon Hayward made the significant decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional basketball journey.
June 24, 2010: Hayward Drafted into the NBA
On June 24, 2010, Gordon Hayward's basketball career reached new heights when he was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the NBA draft.
2010: Hayward's Rookie Season
Gordon Hayward began his NBA journey in 2010 as a rookie playing for the Utah Jazz, coming off the bench to contribute to the team.
2010: Jazz Secure First Playoff Series Victory Since 2010
Gordon Hayward played a pivotal role in leading the Utah Jazz to their first playoff series victory since 2010, demonstrating the team's growth and potential for future success.
2010: Hayward Drafted by the Utah Jazz
Gordon Hayward was selected by the Utah Jazz with the ninth overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft.
2010: Butler's Historic Run to the NCAA Championship
In 2010, Gordon Hayward led the Butler Bulldogs to the NCAA Championship game. Although they lost to Duke, Hayward's last-second half-court shot attempt, which narrowly missed, became one of the most iconic moments in tournament history.
2010: Hayward Named Horizon League Player of the Year
In 2010, Hayward received the Horizon League Player of the Year award and was recognized as an AP All-American Honorable Mention and ESPN Third-team Academic All-American.
April 5, 2011: Hayward's Breakout Performance Against the Lakers
On April 5, 2011, Gordon Hayward showcased his potential with an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists to the Jazz's 86-85 victory.
2011: Participates in IGN Pro League 3
In 2011, Gordon Hayward played StarCraft II at the IGN Pro League 3.
2012: Hayward Selected for Rising Stars Challenge
In 2012, Gordon Hayward's rising talent was recognized with a selection for the NBA Rising Stars Challenge game, showcasing the league's best up-and-coming players.
2012: Hayward Excels as Sixth Man
In the 2012-2013 season, Gordon Hayward embraced his role as a sixth man for the Jazz, demonstrating his versatility and significantly contributing to the team's success, even earning votes for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
2013: Hayward Steps Up as Jazz's Offensive Leader
Following the departure of key players from the Utah Jazz in 2013, Gordon Hayward took on a more prominent role as the team's offensive leader.
January 7, 2014: Hayward Scores Career-High 37 Points
Gordon Hayward achieved a career milestone on January 7, 2014, by scoring an impressive 37 points during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
July 10, 2014: Hayward Receives Offer Sheet from Hornets
Hayward's performance on the court attracted attention, leading to a four-year, $63 million contract offer from the Charlotte Hornets on July 10, 2014, when he became a restricted free agent.
July 12, 2014: Jazz Match Hornets' Offer, Re-sign Hayward
On July 12, 2014, the Utah Jazz demonstrated their commitment to Hayward by matching the Charlotte Hornets' offer sheet, securing his continued presence on their roster for the foreseeable future.
November 14, 2014: Hayward Shines with 33-Point Performance
On November 14, 2014, Gordon Hayward delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 33 points and leading the Jazz to a hard-fought 102-100 victory against the New York Knicks.
2014: Hayward Marries Robyn Van Vliet
In 2014, Gordon Hayward married Robyn Van Vliet, marking a significant personal milestone.
2015: Hayward Welcomes First Child
Gordon Hayward and Robyn Van Vliet welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2015.
2015: Hayward Continues to Elevate His Game
Throughout 2015, Gordon Hayward's dedication to improvement was evident as he consistently elevated his performance on the court, solidifying his reputation as a key player for the Utah Jazz.
January 18, 2016: Hayward's Scoring Prowess on Display
Gordon Hayward exhibited his scoring prowess on January 18, 2016, when he recorded a season-high 36 points during a challenging double-overtime match against the Charlotte Hornets, even though the Jazz ultimately lost 124-119.
October 7, 2016: Hayward Sidelined with Finger Fracture
Gordon Hayward faced a setback early in the 2016-2017 season when he sustained a fracture in the fourth finger of his left hand on October 7, 2016. This injury temporarily sidelined him and posed a challenge to the Jazz's lineup.
2016: Hayward Welcomes Second Daughter
In 2016, Gordon Hayward and his wife, Robyn, celebrated the birth of their second daughter, further expanding their family.
January 26, 2017: Hayward Earns All-Star Selection
Gordon Hayward's exceptional skills and contributions to the Utah Jazz were formally recognized on January 26, 2017, when he was selected to participate in the prestigious NBA All-Star Game, a testament to his standing among the league's elite players.
February 9, 2017: Hayward Puts Up 36 Points in Overtime Thriller
On February 9, 2017, Gordon Hayward showcased his scoring ability with a remarkable 36-point performance in a thrilling overtime clash with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his efforts, the Jazz narrowly lost 112-105.
March 2, 2017: Hayward Explodes for Career-High 38 Points
Gordon Hayward reached a new scoring milestone on March 2, 2017, when he erupted for a career-high 38 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers. Even with this outstanding performance, the Jazz couldn't secure the win, falling short 107-100.
April 7, 2017: Hayward Sets New Career High with 39 Points
Continuing his scoring streak, Gordon Hayward set yet another career-high on April 7, 2017, by dropping an impressive 39 points, leading the Utah Jazz to a 120-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
April 21, 2017: Hayward's Playoff Explosion: 40-Point Game 3
On April 21, 2017, during Game 3 of the Jazz's playoff series against the Clippers, Gordon Hayward delivered a historic performance, exploding for a career-high 40 points. His 21-point first quarter also set a franchise playoff record.
July 4, 2017: Hayward Announces Move to Boston Celtics
In a significant career move announced on July 4, 2017, Gordon Hayward revealed his decision to join the Boston Celtics, marking a new chapter in his basketball journey.
October 17, 2017: Gordon Hayward Suffers Season-Ending Injury
On October 17, 2017, Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome season-ending injury in the Celtics' regular-season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He fractured his tibia and dislocated his ankle after an awkward landing from an attempted alley-oop, causing his leg to collapse under him.
2017: Hayward Selected for NBA All-Star Game
Gordon Hayward was selected to the 2017 NBA All-Star Game while playing for the Utah Jazz.
March 2018: Second Surgery for Gordon Hayward
After making progress in his recovery, Gordon Hayward underwent a second surgery on his injured leg in March 2018, further delaying his return to basketball.
October 2018: Featured in League of Legends Commercial
In October 2018, Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, released an animated commercial supporting Hayward's recovery from an ankle injury.
October 16, 2018: Gordon Hayward Returns to NBA Action
On October 16, 2018, Gordon Hayward marked his return to the NBA after recovering from his ankle injury. He contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds in the Celtics' season-opening win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
December 1, 2018: Hayward Scores Season-High 30 Points
Gordon Hayward showcased his return to form on December 1, 2018, by scoring a season-high 30 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
January 2, 2019: Hayward Sets New Season-High with 35 Points
Continuing his strong comeback, Gordon Hayward set a new season-high on January 2, 2019, with an impressive 35 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
August 9, 2019: Signs Honorary Contract with Hupu
On August 9, 2019, Gordon Hayward signed an honorary lifetime contract to be the midlaner for Hupu, a Chinese League of Legends Team.
November 5, 2019: Hayward Matches Career-High 39 Points
Gordon Hayward had a standout performance on November 5, 2019, matching his career-high of 39 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
December 9, 2019: Hayward Returns from Hand Injury
On December 9, 2019, Gordon Hayward made his return to the court after recovering from a hand fracture sustained earlier in the season.
2019: Hayward's Family Grows with Third Daughter
Gordon Hayward and Robyn Van Vliet welcomed their third daughter in 2019, continuing to grow their family.
August 17, 2020: Hayward Suffers Ankle Injury in Playoffs
On August 17, 2020, during the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, Gordon Hayward suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain. This injury occurred after an awkward landing on teammate Daniel Theis' foot while going for a rebound.
November 2020: Hayward Traded to Hornets
In November 2020, the Celtics traded Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade agreement.
November 29, 2020: Hayward Signs with Hornets, Traded from Celtics
In a significant move on November 29, 2020, Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Celtics. However, he was immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a conditional 2022 second-round draft pick, a 2023 second-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick. The Celtics also created a traded-player exception as part of the deal.
December 23, 2020: Hayward Makes Hornets Debut
Gordon Hayward made his debut for the Charlotte Hornets on December 23, 2020, after being traded from the Celtics. He had an impressive performance, scoring 28 points with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, despite the Hornets losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2020: Hayward and Robyn Welcome a Son
In 2020, Gordon Hayward and Robyn Van Vliet celebrated the birth of their son, who was born while Hayward was participating in the NBA Bubble.
January 6, 2021: Hayward Sets New Career-High with 44 Points
On January 6, 2021, Gordon Hayward achieved a new career milestone by scoring a remarkable 44 points in the Hornets' victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
December 5, 2021: Hayward Scores Season-High 41 Points Against Spurs
On December 5, 2021, Gordon Hayward delivered a standout performance for the Hornets, scoring a season-high 41 points against the San Antonio Spurs.
February 7, 2022: Hayward Suffers Ankle Injury Against Raptors
Gordon Hayward's season was hampered by another ankle injury on February 7, 2022, during a game against the Toronto Raptors. He was subsequently diagnosed with sprained ligaments in his left ankle.
July 2022: Joins Chess.com as a Streaming Partner
In July 2022, Gordon Hayward joined Chess.com as a streaming partner on Twitch, using the username "gdhayward".
November 3, 2022: Hayward Sidelined with Shoulder Injury
On November 3, 2022, the Charlotte Hornets announced that Gordon Hayward would be out indefinitely due to a left shoulder contusion.
January 2023: Hayward Misses Games Due to Hamstring Soreness
In January 2023, Gordon Hayward missed several games for the Charlotte Hornets due to left hamstring soreness, marking another setback in a season impacted by injuries.
February 24, 2023: Hayward Records Season-Highs in Points and Rebounds
On February 24, 2023, Gordon Hayward had a standout performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, recording season-highs of 27 points and 13 rebounds.
February 8, 2024: Hayward Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
On February 8, 2024, Gordon Hayward was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-player deal that saw the Thunder receive draft picks and cash considerations.
August 1, 2024: Hayward Announces Retirement from NBA
On August 1, 2024, Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from professional basketball through a post on his social media, concluding his successful career in the NBA.