One of the most interesting aspects of the NBA schedule release is checking in on when players return to play in their former team's building. Of course, the last time Gordon Hayward played for the Utah Jazz was in 2017. But his return to Salt Lake City was spoiled by his season-ending injury in his first game with the Celtics last season.
This upcoming season, Hayward and the Celtics will play in Utah on Nov. 9. It's unclear how the Jazz faithful will receive Hayward, but it's likely that he gets a warm ovation for a few reasons.
For one, the Jazz are heading in the right direction with Donovan Mitchell at the helm. Mitchell looks like he's poised to become an even bigger star than Hayward ever was in Utah. Of course, Jazz fans would love to have Hayward on the roster, but now they have a new superstar to follow.
Another reason for a warm ovation is due to the fact that Hayward is coming off an injury that looked career-threatening at the time. No fan wants to see someone with so much talent lose out on it due to injury.
And finally, a lot of time has passed. Jazz fans have had enough time to adjust to life without Hayward. It's difficult to hold grudges for that long, and it's likely that Utahns are willing to move on at this point.
Surely there will be some boos in the crowd, but look for a positive response when Hayward returns to Salt Lake City.
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