National Basketball Association

Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward Expected to Make Debut on Sunday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Utah Jazz will get an enormous boost in their game on Sunday as it was recently reported that Gordon Hayward will make his 2016-17 debut.

Big news, Jazz fans!

While it was originally predicted that Gordon Hayward would be out for about six weeks, missing the first 12 or so games of the season, reports are slowly but surely emerging this afternoon from the likes of ESPN and CBSSports that Hayward will actually be making his 2016-17 debut in Sunday’s contest against the New York Knicks.

As if Jazz basketball hadn’t been exciting enough, it’s about to get even better!

This news is a pleasant surprise, but isn’t completely unexpected. Hayward had looked good in brief stints during Jazz shootarounds and had been seen catching and shooting the ball with ease.

@gordonhayward playing tomorrow just made my Saturday!

— Blakely Cragun (@blakelycragun) November 5, 2016

While he’ll likely have a little bit of rust to shake off in this first bout of Utah’s upcoming five-game eastern road trip, his presence will no doubt provide a huge lift for the Jazz during Sunday’s game and throughout the upcoming week. The good news is that the injury was to the ring finger on Gordon’s non-shooting hand, so while it will likely still be bothersome, it isn’t as bad as it could be.

Hayward was Utah’s leading scorer last season as he posted a terrific 19.7 points per game. So far this season, only George Hill has a better average as he’s maintained a steady 20 points per contest.

In watching the Jazz through six games, it has been clear that at times the offense has needed an insertion of the versatility and shot-creating that Hayward brings. His return to the Jazz rotation will instantly make this squad even tougher. Joe Johnson will likely slide to the bench which will also shore up a bench unit that has been mediocre at best.

Me RN. #UtahJazz #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/MIFePY7LCu

— C.G.Jones (@c_garrettjones) November 5, 2016

The fact that Utah was able to hold a .500 record in Hayward’s absence is a huge testament to the drive this team has. Now that he’s back earlier than expected, the Jazz should be able to avoid falling into an early hole as many predicted they would.

It’s also great to see Hayward fighting his way back to be able to play this soon after his injury. In his lone preseason game in early October, he looked absolutely phenomenal and he has given every indication since the offseason that he is ready to give his all for the Jazz and push them to the next level.