The Charlotte Hornets placed their trust in Gordon Hayward when they signed him for a huge deal. Truth be told, most believe that this could be bad for the franchise, given Hayward’s injury history.
But nobody thought their fears would turn to reality so quickly. The Athletic’s Shams Charania just reported that Hayward has injured himself even before playing a single game in the regular season.
“Hornets’ Gordon Hayward has suffered an avulsion fracture of his fifth finger on his right hand.”
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Hornets' Gordon Hayward has suffered an avulsion fracture of his fifth finger on his right hand.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2020
The injury will change the entire game plan for the Hornets. As an avulsion fracture can take around 6-8 weeks to heal. However, considering Hayward already has a long injury history, it might take him a few more weeks to get back on court.
Regardless, he will not be in action at least for majority of the first of the 2020-21 NBA season. This is a heart breaking news for the franchise and its fans. Apart from Hayward, the team doesn’t have much star power, only LaMelo Ball is someone who might lead the team to a good record.
But considering the fact that he is just entering in the league brings its own pressure. Now, with the added pressure of carrying the team on his shoulder might not be something he is ready for yet.
Twitter reacts to first injury of Gordon Hayward with the Hornets
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives in during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the Spectrum Center. Raptors won 111-100. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Following this injury, NBA fans got to work on Twitter. It was expected as most already believed, that signing Hayward to such a huge contract would turn out to be a big mistake for the Hornets./
Damn at this point Gordon Hayward is really Chandler Parsons with multiple $30 million per year contracts. https://t.co/FbsQrcZydM
— . (@cambo_nate) December 16, 2020
That Gordon Hayward contract is going to end up looking worse than the Nicolas Batum one Charlotte signed 🤢
— J-Beans (@JBeans_15) December 16, 2020
Man you got to feel for Gordon Hayward, he just can’t seem to stay healthy
— Earn Your Ranks (@EarnYourRanks) December 16, 2020
I wish people believed in me like nba teams believe in Gordon Hayward
— Rick_Baso (@rickbaso) December 16, 2020
Welcome to the Gordon Hayward experience @hornets https://t.co/eDe65YrM6Z
— Matt ☘️☘️ (@matty__hoops) December 16, 2020
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No hate should come Gordon Hayward’s way, let’s just hope for a fast and speedy recovery. He showed great promise so far in the Hornets 2 preseason games.
Positive outlooks only Hornets fans https://t.co/ogZAIHTBYO pic.twitter.com/exFotfhs4D
— BARSTOOL NORTH CAROLINA (@NickBSNC2020) December 16, 2020
Hayward has looked impressive in the two pre-season games he has played so far. But will this injury come in way of his career with the Hornets? Many might start questioning Michael Jordan’s decision to invest in the forward pretty soon.
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Nicolas Batum will have to step up his game in the absence of Hayward. Batum is not on the same level as Hayward was, but the Hornets need to make amends as of now to keep the team in playoff contention until Hayward returns.
What are your thoughts on this unfortunate injury to Gordon Hayward? Let us know your views in the comments section down below.
