There are plenty of Jazz fans pissed off at Gordon Hayward — and of course, we got the clichéd jersey burnings after Gordon announced he was heading to Boston. Difficult to blame the fans, Utah had put together a team on the rise in the West and did just about everything right, only to be undone by timing and past relationships more than anything. Hayward praised Utah and it’s fans on the way out the door, but you can’t fault fans for feeling betrayed.
Jazz official, however, were nothing but class in their official statements.
“We are proud of the player that Gordon developed into with the Jazz, and wish him and his family the best of luck,” Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey said. “Utah Jazz Despite his departure, we still have a tremendous coaching staff and very good young core of players in place as we move forward.”
“Gordon has been an important part of our Jazz family for the past seven years. While disappointed that he is moving on, we thank him for his contributions to the organization and wish Gordon, Robyn and their family well,” said Gail Miller, Chairman of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, which owns the Jazz. “We thank him for his play, his leadership and how well he represented the Jazz and the state of Utah.”
“The Jazz made a compelling case for Gordon to stay and managed the process well,” said Steve Starks, Jazz president. “A foundation for success has been established here, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to bring a championship to Utah. From our renovated facilities to our dedicated ownership, we are building a winning culture that will make Jazz fans proud.”
