It’s not been a week since Gordon Hayward hung up his sneakers. Once, his high school senior Avery Jukes predicted, “He’ll be a good pro because I think he held a lot back in college.” However, after spending 14 years in the NBA, Hayward retired without a ring. While fans murmur about his unreached potential, Hayward’s former coach Tyrone Corbin has joined the conversation, revealing the real reason behind it.

In a podcast with ‘SiriusXM NBA Radio,’ Tyrone Corbin shared his candid reaction to Hayward’s retirement. He revealed that Hayward had the potential to become the best player, but injuries derailed his career. In a video clip shared on X by ‘SiriusXM NBA Radio,’ Corbin said, “He was a sneaky athlete before the injury.” Corbin who coached Hayward for 3 years with the Utah Jazz, added that Hayward was a versatile player, noting that he “could jump,” and praised his ability to drop deep for blocks and his impressive understanding of the game.

Interestingly, Corbin further added, “He could have been a multiple, multiple-time All-Star had he not been injured as much as he had.” Hayward was nominated as an All-Star in 2017 before joining the Boston Celtics, where he suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg less than six minutes into his first game, causing him to miss the entire season.

Looking back at his career, the Utah Jazz selected Gordon Hayward as the 9th overall pick in the NBA Draft, and he played for them for seven years. In his last season with the Jazz, he scored a career-high 21.9 PPG, showcasing his immense talent and potential.

After playing 835 games for the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder, the 34-year-old forward announced his retirement on August 1st with a heartfelt post on his social media.

Gordon Hayward announces retirement and Paul George’s ‘Podcast P’ tribute

On August 1st, Gordon Hayward took to social media to announce, “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball.” He reflected on his 14-year journey, expressing gratitude to everyone who supported him. Averaging 15.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 3.5 APG throughout his career, Hayward acknowledged the incredible experiences and growth he encountered along the way.

Moreover, Hayward didn’t forget to thank his fans. “To all my fans: thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs,” he wrote. He also offered a challenge and advice to young aspiring basketball players: “You inspired me to always dream big and improve every day – and for the young players up next, I challenge you to do the same!”

Interestingly, Hayward frequently appeared as a guest on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P’ show. Following his retirement announcement, the official X account of ‘Podcast P’ shared a thread of stories from the podcast, celebrating Hayward’s career. “Congrats to Gordon Hayward on an amazing career!” the post read.

Ultimately, Hayward’s retirement marks the end of an era, yet his legacy continues to inspire both fans and fellow athletes.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the ‘Dual Threat Show’ as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.