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LONG POND, PA – JUNE 26: Michael Jordan owner of 23XI Racing at his pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series – Pocono Organics CBD 325 on June 26,2021 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond,PA.(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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LONG POND, PA – JUNE 26: Michael Jordan owner of 23XI Racing at his pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series – Pocono Organics CBD 325 on June 26,2021 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond,PA.(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets are getting even more short-handed as the season progresses. After the injury to LaMelo Ball, another major injury update could end up harming their chances of having a winning record this season. With a 6-14 record so far, the Hornets are currently 14th on the Eastern Conference table. And this latest injury update arguably does not improve their chances of getting better either.?
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The Hornets just took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-108 in their last game. And the Hornets did that with a nine-man lineup, as opposed to the Timberwolves, who were at full strength. But they did that without LaMelo Ball or Gordon Hayward.
An update that neither Michael Jordan nor any GM wants
And according to reports, the Hornets’?Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. The Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 20, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) grabs his shoulder against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Hayward got off to a good start this season. He averaged 18.9 PPG for the month of October. But that number took a huge dive in November when his average fell to 11.8 PPG.
Though Hayward is not the team?s first option on offense, he is a reliable scorer. Hayward can create space for himself and consistently make mid-range jumpers. He can also make the three-ball if left open.?
Sources: Charlotte’s Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2022
Now, with Hayward about to miss substantial time, what does that mean for the Charlotte Hornets? Clearly, it is not good news for?Michael Jordan or Hayward’s teammates. LaMelo Ball is still out of the rotation but is expected to soon return to the team?s lineup.
LaMelo Ball missed out on the first 13 games for the Charlotte Hornets. But with Gordon Hayward now being ruled out as well, the Hornets will have to dig deep into their bench depth. Notably, Hayward?signed a four-year $120 million contract with the Hornets back in 2020.
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History of Gordon Hayward and his injuries
Hayward has arguably been injury prone for most of his career. He stayed pretty healthy during his time with the Utah Jazz. But it was when he joined the Boston Celtics is when the constant injuries kept him out of rotation.
Watch This Story – From Steve Nash to Gordon Hayward, the most devastating injuries in NBA history
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Hayward had suffered a devastating injury in a season opener game while playing for the Boston Celtics. It was one of the more horrifying injuries to a player recently, but he managed to come back and maintain his point production.
How much do you think the Charlotte Hornets will miss Gordan Hayward on the court? Let us know in the comments below.
