NBA: Top 10 Active Players From Mid-Major Schools

NBA: Top 10 Active Players From Mid-Majors

Mar 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won in overtime 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 11

Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz

School: Butler Bulldogs (Horizon League)
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 26 (3/23/1990)
2015-16 Slash Line: .433/.349/.824
2015-16 Season Averages: 36.2 MPG, 19.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.8 3PM
Accolades: N/A

Gordon Hayward is one of the greatest college basketball players of the past 15 years. He led the Butler Bulldogs to back-to-back improbable national championship game appearances and was mere inches away from eternal glory.

Today, the Utah Jazz standout may be the single most underrated player in the NBA—and no, that’s not hyperbole.

Hayward is one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA. He can score with volume, facilitate the offense, crash the defensive or offensive glass, space the floor, and even defends at a respectable level.

Utah’s defense is what makes it such a factor in postseason discussions, but it’s Hayward’s offense and leadership that give it a final push to have a true chance to make it.

Since coming to Utah, Hayward has been forced to play without a defined No. 1 point guard. Despite the injuries to Dante Exum, the erratic nature of Trey Burke, and the clear overachievement by Shelvin Mack, he’s thrived.

Hayward may not be a star, but he’s the type of player that every single NBA team would welcome with open arms.

Next: Dominant Rim Protection