There are players in the NBA that are ready to break out and have an incredible year. More specifically, there are players on the Utah Jazz that are in a prime position to earn recognition throughout the NBA.
One of the players who is going to become an All-Star next season is the Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward.
What on the basketball court can’t Hayward do?
The Jazz small forward has versatility that is rare to find in the NBA.
Hayward is an above-average defender that can pass, score, shoot and rebound. Seriously what can he not do?
Last year Hayward led the Jazz in scoring (16.2), was third in rebounds (5.1) second in assists (5.2) and lead the team in steals per game(1.4).
Simply put, if Hayward continues with this trend next year and increases his points per game production to about 22 points a night, he will make the All-Star Game and win the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
For as talented as he is, not many people truly understand how good his game is. It is difficult to watch a talented player compete for a 25-57 team, that is understandable.
But when anyone watches the Jazz they will see Hayward shining about the competition.
Hayward is not a stranger to a lack of attention. His NBA career is vastly underrated. Playing in Utah every year also adds into the lack of attention that Hayward receives.
This summer when Hayward was given the opportunity to compete with the U.S. men’s basketball team for 2014 FIBA World Cup, he wasn’t selected. Nevertheless, Hayward continues to stay positive and realize that every year he is going to excel and get better.
The talent that surrounded him during the Team USA practices showed him that he too could compete with the elite players in the NBA. On his personal website (gordonhayward20.com) Hayward had this to say about his time with Team USA.
"I got great feedback from the coaches, and that’s was definitely a confidence booster. Those guys are really well respected. To have them pay you a compliment is a pretty big deal. They’ve been around the best ever to do it. I also picked up a lot playing with some of the great players on the team."
Playing with the elite stars in the NBA gives Hayward a measuring stick of where he needs to develop his game if he wants to achieve their status.
One of the biggest reasons why Hayward can make the All-Star team next year is because of the lack of depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions in the Western Conference.
James Harden was the only shooting guard to play in the All-Star Game last season, while Kevin Durant was the only small forward. This also plays in the favor of Hayward since he has the versatility to play either position depending on the lineup on the floor.
The opportunity is once again there for Hayward to make a name for himself and become the first All-Star for the Jazz franchise since Deron Williams in 2011.
In addition unlike some of his other Western Conference competition at his position. Chandler Parsons and Kawhi Leonard are not the best players on their respective teams, while Hayward is clearly the best player on his team. This means that he will have the most opportunity to have better statistics.
Next season Hayward is going to take another step in his development. I expect All-Star status, and maybe then Utah can finally have something to cheer about.
For a once and proud franchise, they need a glimmer of hope.