One of the more interesting stories in the NBA’s 2017 Free Agency period was Gordon Hayward’s decision. The longtime Utah Jazz forward decided to move on from the team that drafted him, instead taking his talents to the Boston Celtics where he evidently felt he could more ably compete for a championship.
More interesting than Hayward’s decision was the way in which it was announced. The forward’s choice was first reported by prominent journalists before being refuted as fans were made aware by his representation that Hayward had not made a decision. It was reported at that time that Hayward was leaving the Jazz in the dark as he made the choice, eventually leading to a penned essay on the Players’ Tribune.
Apparently, the Jazz organization was not the only ones unaware of what Hayward was doing. His former teammate, Rudy Gobert, also did not know of his co-star’s plans:
Rudy Gobert said he found out via Twitter of gordon hayward leaving the jazz for the Boston Celtics
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) July 11, 2017
However, Gobert did admit that he had braced for impact:
Gobert said he could sense Hayward was leaning towards Boston when he went and met with him in San Diego
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) July 11, 2017
As for whether or not Gobert would ever make a similar decision to Hayward’s, the Frenchman (not so convincingly) doesn’t think so:
Asked Gobert if he envisions himself being with the Jazz through his career: "yes. Why not?"
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) July 11, 2017
