This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Among Utah Jazz fans, Gordon Hayward can at times be a polarizing figure.
Despite the small forward currently enjoying the best season of his career, despite his averaging almost 20 points per game and combining that with defense and playmaking, the questions persist.
Can he be a number one scoring option on a team that contends for an NBA title? Can he inch closer by the season to the superstar caliber of player the Jazz have lacked for so long? Is he living up to the big-money contract he signed with the Jazz last year? Can he continue to trend upward as a player?
It's no secret Hayward has at times carried a Jazz offense that has lacked central pieces due to injury. And Hayward's responsibility on both ends has increased with each passing season. In year two with coach Quin Snyder, Hayward has become more comfortable with his increased role. He's scoring more, he's defending better and he's become more vocal within the locker room. On Monday night, Hayward will likely lock horns with Jimmy Butler as the Jazz take on the Chicago Bulls at Vivint Smart Home Arena. It's a matchup featuring two of the best up-and-coming wing players in the NBA. Only Butler has arrived in a way Hayward hasn't yet, having made consecutive all-star games. It's another chance for Hayward to prove he belongs among the elite, if nothing else.
"What we have is players that are improving and, in my mind, Gordon is that No. 1 option," Snyder said about Hayward's ability to carry his team. "He's going to become better and better and better at that. … One of the most impressive things about what Gordon's done is just his ability to add to his game. You look at him playing matchup basketball at the nail. You look at him in pick-and-roll right now."
"To me, Gordon's a guy in the league that has a chance to be great. That means an All-Star and a high, high level player. We're asking so much of him right now. If you remember at the beginning of the year when he didn't start the season quickly, I was very adamant that that period, I thought, would help him, because it would make him get better. Because coupled with his toughness and his intellect, he's someone you can show something to and he'll improve."
Hayward's workload nightly is immense. He's expected to approach 20 points, five rebounds and five assists a night offensively. If he doesn't, the Jazz' chances of winning decrease dramatically.
In this area, shooting guard Rodney Hood has helped significantly of late; he's averaged 18.6 points a night in January and has provided secondary wing scoring that's made Hayward's life a bit easier. And Derrick Favors finally returning from back spasms that cost him a month of the season will help a bunch as well. In Friday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Favors and Hood each hit the 20-point plateau.
But Hayward is counted on to guard the best wing scorer on the opposition nightly. And in the NBA, there are plenty of wing scorers. Last week, ESPN.com wrote an article in which Hayward talked about his possible impending free agency. He can opt out of his contract after next season and hit the market. But while Hayward knows the reality of the business, he said he's not worrying about anything beyond the season, or even the next game.
"We don't talk about free agency," Hayward said. "I think we're focused on the season and the moment.
"As a player, I like to control what I can control. That's how I play out on the court, whether I'm doing the right things defensively, making plays for my teammates. … They [front office] put countless hours into what they do. I'll let them do that."
What's not up for debate, with his teammates and coaches, is how much Hayward has meant to the Jazz this season on the floor and in the locker room. With practically half the roster hurt, Hayward kept Utah afloat by averaging 21.3 points a night in January, including a 36 point outburst against the Charlotte Hornets a few weeks ago.
So while the questions are there, Snyder and the rest of the Jazz believe they have been answered.
"Usually when we need a bucket, it's Gordon or Rodney giving it to us," Utah forward Trevor Booker said. "He's very important to us. We look to him for leadership on and off the floor."
twitter: @tjonessltrib —
Bulls at Jazz
P Monday, 7 p.m.
When • Monday, 7.p.m.
Where • Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City
TV • ROOT Sports
Radio • 1280 AM
Records • Utah 21-25; Chicago 26-20
About the Bulls • Chicago is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference. … The Bulls lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 120-93 on Sunday afternoon. … The Bulls are 10-11 away from home on the year. … Jimmy Butler averages 22.4 points a night and was named an All-Star for the second consecutive season
About the Jazz • Utah is attempting to win a third consecutive game for the first time this season. … The Jazz on Monday will play the fourth game of a season-long six-game homestand. … Rodney Hood has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five games. … Derrick Favors scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Friday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, his best outing since returning from injury.