How much is
Gordon Haywardworth? Photo Credit: RMtip21, Flickr.com
Utah Jazz guard/forward Gordon Hayward is going into the last year of his contract with the Utah Jazz. The two sides are apparently engaged in discussions about a contract extension, though how seriously remains to be seen. One of Jazz fans’ most enjoyable pastimes of the past decade or so has been debating Utah’s draft selections. Utah bypassed Chris Paul in the 2005 NBA draft and selected Deron Williams, which was a big surprise to some. Over the next several years, Jazz fans argued over the merits of each player as both lead their teams to success. Many, if not most, Jazz fans were converted to the church of Deron Williams and fervently declared “8 >3.”
The conversation has been allowed to continue over the last few seasons, even as both of Williams and Paul find themselves on different teams than the ones that drafted them. Now Utah has a different Paul to argue about; Indiana forward Paul George who will be receiving a contract extension that is estimated to be over $90 million. Come draft time in 201o, George was in the same position as Chris Paul had been, as Utah selected Gordon Hayward in a spot many predicted George would go. Again, many Utah fans were not happy with the selection and Utah’s “draft party” at Energy Solutions Arena was filled with boo’s as the selection was announced.
However, Hayward has done his best to follow in Deron Williams’ footsteps and convince Jazz fans (and the NBA) that his selection was warranted. Gordon has shown the ability to be an NBA starter, and will have the ability this year to be the leader and number one offensive option for his team. Some have declared Hayward to be just as good, if not better than George, and have questioned whether Hayward deserves close to a maximum extension as well. He doesn’t.
As someone who has been on board the Hayward train from the beginning, I am excited to see the growth Hayward has demonstrated over his first three seasons with the team. I believe he will be an All-Star, and he may well be the chosen one to bring the Jazz back to the Promised Land of Contention. Having said that, to suggest Hayward deserves a deal in the realm of $90 million is just silly. Hayward is just not nearly as accomplished as George at this point in their careers. Some of this may not be Hayward’s fault, as he and George have been in very different situations.
Since joining the Jazz, Hayward has been under many established players on the totem pole of the offensive depth chart. Playing with Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Randy Foye, Mo Williams, and other score-first type players hasn’t afforded Hayward the luxury of being thrown into the fire to let his offensive game develop. Utah has been very cautious with their young players, opting to let them develop slowly under the tutelage of teammates of their first years in the league, while Paul George was “handed the keys” much sooner. Some may say George’s play demanded the keys, which may be true. The simple fact is that Paul George is leading his team to contention, while Hayward will lead his team this year in what is sure to be a lottery bound campaign.
Both Hayward and the Jazz may see this season to completion before signing a new contact. Both will hope his play is deserving of a $90 million dollar contract.
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