Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Hornets had to finish last night’s game without Gordon Hayward as he left the game with what appeared to be a hand injury.
Gordon Hayward has surprised many NBA fans this season with his outstanding play for the Charlotte Hornets. The former Boston Celtics player signed with Charlotte this offseason and has been making his case for another All-Star Game appearance. Still, he can’t seem to avoid the injury bug and suffered another on Monday evening in the Hornets’ loss to the Utah Jazz.
Early in the fourth quarter, Hayward lost his footing while driving to the basket and re-injured his right hand while breaking his fall.
He would leave the game and not return.
Hayward had previously fractured his right pinkie finger during a preseason game. It looks like this injury may be a reaggravation of that one. He’s also missed games this season for a hip injury and back soreness.
What Gordon Hayward’s injury could mean for the Hornets
Hayward is currently the Hornets’ leading scorer averaging 21.9 points per game, which ties his career-best in Utah in 2016-17. Charlotte are playoff hopefuls and are currently tied for eighth in the Eastern Conference with the Chicago Bulls with a record of 14-16.
If Hayward is to miss significant time, this could obviously really damage the Hornets’ playoff hopes. He’s been the glue holding the likes of a young LaMelo Ball and thriving Terry Rozier together. Replacing someone like Hayward will be tough as he’s the only ‘natural’ fit at small forward that they have. Miles Bridges can be effective but doesn’t rescue them for poor half-court possession as Hayward can. We obviously hope for a speedy recovery for Hayward. This Hornets team has been fun to watch and should definitely be competing for a playoff spot in the struggling Eastern Conference.