Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward exited today's game against the Utah Jazz with an injury to his right hand. Per Rick Bonnell of The Observer, Hornets coach James Borrego said Hayward is classified as day-to-day. An MRI test is expected to be done to check Hayward's status.
Hornets coach James Borrego said Gordon Hayward is day-to-day with the right hand injury that knocked him out of the fourth quarter. I assume there will be an MRI coming.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) February 23, 2021
According to Rod Boone of The Hive Vibes, the Hornets commented that Hayward re-aggravated his right hand injury as he had a bad landing during one of his drives to the basket. This is another blow to the All-Star forward as he broke his finger before the season.
#Hornets say Gordon Hayward is out for the rest of the game after exiting in the fourth quarter due to re-aggravating a right hand injury. He fell hard on a drive to the basket. Hayward broke a finger in the preseason. Another tough injury for him.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 23, 2021
Before the unfortunate incident, Hayward was playing well versus the top-ranked Jazz. He exited the game with a filled-up sheet of 21 points, three boards, two dimes, two steals, and a block in just less than 26 minutes.
Hayward signed a lucrative deal worth $120,000,000 for four years with the Hornets in the offseason. The contract was criticized by many, especially because of his lengthy injury history. Nevertheless, he has had a strong campaign, putting up career numbers almost across the board.
The former Butler standout is a well-rounded, two-way player, who elevates the ceiling of the young Hornets squad. With Hayward out, expect guards LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier to do more heavy lifting. Fortunately, the bench unit has players capable of stepping up. Hayward's minutes will most likely be given to Miles Bridges and Malik Monk.
The Hornets will need a healthy Gordon Hayward in securing a spot for the NBA Playoffs, especially with team records being so close to one another in the Eastern Conference.
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