"Got Bieber guarding me": Gordon Hayward's NBA welcome by Ron Artest was brusque, according to the All-Star
Recently retired NBA star Gordon Hayward shared a story of how Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) welcomed him into the league. Hayward got a chance to talk about his decision to retire at the "Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," and even talked about some of his experiences.
Hayward gradually built a reputation in the league that he's got what it takes to be a star. Although he only made one All-Star appearance, his production on the court was strong. But it wasn't always easy for the former Utah Jazz star.
The star forward shared a story of how the stereotype of being a white player was often used on him. Hayward talked about playing against certain players who would go one-on-one against him in games.
"For whatever reason, when you see the white guy guarding you, it's like, 'Iso him and go at him,'" Hayward said. "You gotta hope that you get a stop that first time or else they're just gonna keep going at you every single time."
He shared a particular experience of playing against World Peace of the LA Lakers, who was still known as Ron Artest at the time. Hayward claims that his appearance didn't benefit them during their matchup with the Lakers.
"We played the Lakers, I think it was preseason and they had Ron Artest and I checked in the game and he looks at me and then looks back at Kobe [Bryant] and then looks at me. He's like, 'Hey Kob, just throw me the ball in the post man. Look who's guarding me. I've got Bieber guarding me.'"
At that time, Artest was still a decent player and Hayward said he had no chance against him. Hayward was compared to musical artist Justin Bieber because his hairstyle during his early years in the league somewhat resembled Bieber's.
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How good was Gordon Hayward when he was with the Jazz?
Gordon Hayward played seven seasons with the Jazz and had some of the best moments of his career with the franchise. Although he only averaged 15.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the team, his development in the seven years he played in Utah doesn't get talked about as much.
With the Jazz, he was a consistent candidate for the Most Improved Player award. He showed how well he'd improved over the years but would always come up short. It all culminated in his final season at Utah when he became an All-Star. He posted 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the 2016-17 season.
During his prime, he was a reliable shot-creator who was always a threat to opposing players. And despite the early perception of him by Artest and others, he also became a competent defender in the NBA.