Ex-Majority Owner Michael Jordan’s Presence Triggered “Nerve-Racking” Aura, Claims 33-Year-Old Hornets Star

Gordon Hayward has been around in the NBA for over ten years and is currently playing his 3rd year with the Charlotte Hornets, having joined the team in 2020. For those who are not aware, Michael Jordan owned a portion of the Hornets from 2006 until 2023, when he sold his majority stake. He would frequently attend the team games during this time, sometimes watching from the suite and other times from the bench.

Playing for MJ and having him come and watch the team in action was a petrifying experience, Hayward recalls. In a recent episode of the Podcast P With Paul George, he reveals that when MJ would come and watch the games from the bench, he would go off on the refs. There was nothing more terrifying than being observed by one of the greatest players of the sport.

Trying to impress MJ was the toughest part

Hayward remembers how, “When he does sit and he’s right there on the bench, I mean, he’s yelling. It is definitely nerve-racking with him sitting there. I mean, this is the GOAT.” As if this weren’t enough, Hayward was constantly troubled by the idea that he wouldn’t be able to impress MJ because, in his words, “What am I gonna go out there and do that he’s not impressed by? He’s done it all, seen it all.”

That season, Hayward recorded the third-highest point average of his career (19.6), along with 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He is one of the few players from the 2010 NBA Draft who remained on an NBA roster despite suffering career-threatening injuries, and he remains productive on the hardwood. This season, Hayward has averages of 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. At 33, he is winding down the final chapters of his career.

Taking it day by day

As retirement is around the corner, Hayward admits, “Ever since I got injured, I like to take it game by game cuz you just never know which game will be your last.” In 2017, when he was playing for the Celtics, he fell awkwardly after bumping into LeBron, who was then playing for the Cavs. This resulted in a horrific leg injury, that fractured his tibia and dislocated his ankle.

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This was a gruesome accident that stalled his performance for a while. Presently, Hayward is grateful for how long he has come and finds immense pleasure in playing for the Hornets. “Right now I’m loving playing in Charlotte,” he says and makes an effort to make the best of every game he gets to play after having a career riddled with injuries.

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