After years of suffering in mediocrity, the Charlotte Hornets are trying to change their fortunes. They got LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and they made a big splash by acquiring Gordon Hayward on a four-year, $120 million whopper of a deal.
Hayward's massive deal immediately caused some backlash among analysts, especially given Hayward's recent injury history. However, Hornets president Mitch Kupchak squashed any concerns on that front:
Re: injury concerns, Mitch Kupchak says Gordon Hayward passed his physical "with flying colors" https://t.co/3aDvpiVJPo
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) December 1, 2020
The Indianapolis native suffered a severe ankle injury in his debut game for the Celtics, which prematurely ended his campaign in the 2017-2018 season. His recovery from that injury was slow, and this past season he dealt with more ankle problems in the playoffs. The concerns were certainly warranted, even if he looked much better overall in 2019-20.
In his 10th campaign in the NBA, the former Butler standout averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through 52 games played for the Celtics. Hayward shot an impressive 50.0% overall and 38.3% on 3-pointers.
As long as he's healthy, Hayward's arrival in Charlotte will bolster a core featuring Ball, Devonte' Graham, Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, PJ Washington, and Terry Rozier. Hayward's playmaking abilities and veteran presence should be valuable for a Hornets side that finished with a 23-42 record to nab 10th place in the Eastern Conference last season, which kept them out of the NBA bubble.
The Hornets are now looking to finally break through into the postseason picture for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. Hayward's currently healthy condition serves as an encouraging sign for the Hornets as they aim to reach greater heights with their revamped roster. Now, the hope is Charlotte's new splash signing is able to stay healthy throughout the season in order for the club to make its way into the playoffs.
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