Gordon Hayward injury: NBA insider says the forward is out definitely with fractured left shoulder, addresses his wife's comments
Charlotte Hornets veteran forward Gordon Hayward is expected to be sidelined with a shoulder injury.
The team announced that Hayward is expected to be week-to-week as he deals with a fractured shoulder. Hayward has been one of the most versatile forwards in the league throughout his career. But he's continued to pick up a number of nagging injuries since his days with the Boston Celtics.
The 32-year-old veteran was averaging 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this year for the Hornets. Charlotte has been dealing with numerous injuries this season. The latest injury to Hayward adds another important piece to the sidelines.
What was most shocking was a tidbit of information involving Gordon Hayward's wife. Appearing on "FanDuel TV," NBA insider Shams Charania shared that Robin Hayward said that Gordon had been playing hurt for a few games. It was also reported that the Hornets had been withholding the injury information.
"He's going to miss multiple weeks here I'm told," Charania said. "I think the most fascinating development actually is what his wife, Robin, put out there over the weekend, which is that he's played on the injury for a few games and this is an injury that the team was initially withholding."
: FanDuel.com/TVGordon Hayward is out indefinitely with a fractured left shoulder - his wife alleges that the team made him play through his injury 👀
@ShamsCharania and @ChandlerParsons on #RunItBack with @MichelleDBeadle @bansky
📺: FanDuel.com/TV https://t.co/Uo2rjRNrqB
Gordon Hayward expected to be sidelined for Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets brought Gordon Hayward in as a free agent to be a missing piece of the puzzle on the perimeter. When Hayward has been healthy, he's showcased his impressive ability.
Hayward's health has been problematic over the years. In his first two seasons with the Hornets, Hayward played a combined 93 out of 164 games. An All-Star with the Utah Jazz in 2016-17, he fractured his tibia and dislocated his ankle in his left leg less than six minutes into his first game as a Boston Celtic in October 2017.
In his last three games, Hayward was averaging 13.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 5.0 apg while shooting just 37.5%.
Gordon Hayward signed a 4-year, $120M deal with the Hornets in 2020.
Games played:
2020-21: 44
2021-22: 49
2022-23: 11
😬 https://t.co/ptcaQ8oOBU
Charlotte (6-14) continues to see its 2022-23 season get off to a rough start. The team has been decimated by injuries. The most notable includes rising star LaMelo Ball, who has played just three games.
With Hayward out, the Hornets are going to have to find a player to step up on the offensive side of the ball.
The Hornets visit the Boston Celtics (16-4) on Monday night before starting a three-game home stand. Charlotte will host the Washington Wizards (10-10), Milwaukee Bucks (14-5) and LA Clippers (12-9).