Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward injures his left hand during practice. Further examination shows his finger is fractured, and he needs six weeks to recover.
In a practice session at Zions Bank Basketball Center on Friday, Oct. 7 Hayward injured his left hand according to official release from Utah Jazz. Further examination on his hand was conducted at University of Utah Health Care's Orthopaedic Center by Jazz physicians Dr. Travis Maak and Dr. Douglas Hutchinson. The result determined that his fourth finger on the left hand suffered a fractured.
The injury will make Jazz have to sideline him for six weeks. In this upcoming season, Jazz continue to deal with injury for several key players as it has bee going through for for several seasons. Alec Burks will miss some games this season, also Derrick Favors with sore knee and Rodney Hood with sprained left hand.
This will make things more difficult for Utah Jazz as Hayward is the one of the most reliable player for the team. Even he is regarded as the best player in Utah Jazz according to CBS Sports.
Hayward is an all-around player who is capable to play as small forward and shooting guard. He possess the complete skills of guard with the size of forward. Aside from his shooting capability as small forward, the 6'8" player is also able to make play and open space.
He showed his versatility in the preseason game against Phoenix Suns in Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoeniz, AZ. on Oct. 5. Hayward made 15 points, 4 rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jazz defeated the Suns 104-99.
The 2016-17 season will be the seventh season for Hayward after he was drafted as 9th overall pick in 2010 NBA draft. For the last six season in Utah, he averaged 14.6 points and 4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. This upcoming season, Hayward will have to be benched for six weeks due to fracture in his left hand.