One of the breakout stars of the NCAA tournament from upstart Butler, Hayward is athletic but lithe at 6-8, 207 pounds. Shocking pick by the Utah Jazz? Not exactly. He averaged 15.5 points last season and shot much worse from the field than he did during his freshman year (he declared for the draft after his sophomore season).
2010 NBA Draft, Ninth Pick: Utah Jazz select Gordon Hayward, Forward from Butler
This isn’t a pick the Jazz earned with their record, it’s one they stole over two trades, ultimately from the New York Knicks. So it’s not immediately clear where he fits into a solid Jazz lineup; he’s more of a depth selection, which is good for him. Haywood will have time to get bigger and stronger and develop an NBA game. Eventually, C.J. Miles could make way (or at least lose minutes) to the youngster.
And yes, Larry Bird just kicked a trash can in the Pacers draft room.
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