Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Position: Small Forward
Age: 24
Experience: 5th Season
Slash Line: .505/.370/.897
Season Averages: 35.2 MPG, 18.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.9 3PM
During the summer of 2014, the Utah Jazz rewarded Gordon Hayward with a massive new contract. To the surprise of many, Hayward signed a four-year deal worth $62,965,420.
So far, he’s living up to the hype.
The 24-year-old is averaging 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.9 3-point field goals made per game. He’s shooting 50.5 percent from the field and is back to his hot shooting ways at 37.0 percent.
After struggling to shoot in 2013-14, Hayward is silencing his critics by converting at the rate expected of him.
Whether or not he’s overpaid, Hayward offers some of the most well-rounded production in the NBA. In 2013-14, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 3-point field goals.
The only difference in 2014-15 is that he’s shooting efficiently—something he did in each of his first three seasons.
As his role increases and his skills are maximized by a system that maximizes ball movement, Hayward is a set to have a big season in 2014-15.
Next: Contract-Year Breakout