Gordon Hayward broke a lot of hearts in Salt Lake City this summer when he decided to sign with the Boston Celtics. Some Jazz fans were so upset with his move that they even decided to burn his jerseys in anger.
However, while fans were upset, the franchise itself decided to go in another direction. They actually thanked the All-Star forward for everything he has done for the Utah Jazz organization with full-page ads featured in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.
Classy move by Jazz with full-page ads in the Deseret News and SL Tribune. Not sure if they prepared multiple versions. (h/t @JazzDoingGood) pic.twitter.com/l8HFS6jryv
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) July 7, 2017
It is easy to be upset with Hayward. He seemingly left a young and upcoming team with players that are yet to show their full potential. However, it is very hard to be this classy in defeat, so the Jazz deserve some applause for the gesture.
While burning jerseys and attacking Hayward on social media were the expected moves, the organization itself remained true to their reputation as one of the healthiest and classiest franchises in the NBA. The Jazz itself gave a lot to Hayward, mostly through player development. The former Butler stalwart came to the league as an unfinished product after two college seasons, and the Jazz turned him into an All-Star.
Now, Hayward is going to reunite with his former coach at Butler, Brad Stevens. The Jazz, on the other hand, will try to build around the pieces they currently have on their roster, most notably French center Rudy Gobert.
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