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Utah Jazz: 2010s All-Decade team

By Dean Hasan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward
Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Small Forward of the Decade: Gordon Hayward

After debuting for the Utah Jazz in the 2010-11 season, Gordon Hayward steadily improved year by year, gradually taking on a larger role for the Jazz. By the 2013-14 season, he was the team’s leading scorer and he remained the team’s No. 1 option until he left in free agency following the 2016-17 season.

By his final season in Utah, Hayward was averaging a career-high 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting an elite 39.8 percent from deep on 5.1 attempts per game. He also became the first Jazz player to make an All-Star team since Deron Williams in 2011.

During the same season, Hayward led the Jazz to their first playoff berth since 2012 and their first playoff series victory since 2010. In the first round, Hayward’s 23.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 44.7% from deep led the way to a seven-game upset of the LA Clippers.

Despite being swept in the second round by the Stephen Curry/Kevin Durant-led Golden State Warriors, Hayward performed admirably, averaging 24.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 36.7 percent from 3.

Given his excellent playoff showing, it was difficult  for Utah fans when Hayward packed his bags for Boston and signed a four-year deal with the Celtics at the season’s conclusion. Nonetheless, Hayward gave the Jazz seven solid seasons and is without a doubt the Utah Jazz small forward of the decade.

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