David Chao, MD
2 min read • February 13, 2024
Posted in
Veteran forward Gordon Hayward was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline, but has not played since suffering a left calf strain on December 26.
New head coach Mark Daignneault told reporters recently that Hayward won’t suit up for the Thunder until after the All-Star break.
While with Charlotte, Hayward was listed as questionable ahead of the team’s Feb. 7 contest against the Raptors. He was ultimately ruled out ahead of the game, but it’s a positive sign he’s close to returning to the court.
Oklahoma City acquired Hayward by trading away Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic and two second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets.
While the Thunder will undoubtedly ease him back into the lineup to avoid aggravating the left calf injury, he will likely return before the beginning of March.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Thunder face the Clippers and Wizards at home on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, respectively. They then have a home-and-home series with the Rockets on Feb. 25 and 27 followed by a visit to San Antonio to close the month Feb. 29.
In 25 games for the Hornets this season, Hayward has averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field and 36.1% from 3-point range.
Last season, the Butler alumnus averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 50 games on 47.5%/32.5%/81.1% shooting splits.
His highest scoring average with Charlotte came in 2020-21, when he averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 44 games.
Since suffering a left calf strain on Dec. 26, Hayward has now missed 24 games with the Hornets and Thunder.
On Oct. 17, 2017, Hayward suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg in the Celtics’ regular season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He missed the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery and had a second surgery in March 2018.
On Nov. 9, 2019, he suffered a fractured left hand against the San Antonio Spurs and was out until Dec. 9, 2019.
Hayward suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain on Aug. 17, 2020 that kept him out until Sept. 20, 2020.
On Feb. 7, 2022, Hayward suffered a left ankle injury that kept him out until April 2. However, on April 10, 2022 he was ruled out for at least two weeks with left foot discomfort. He did not return during the regular season and did not play when the Hornets were eliminated from the play-in tournament.
Last season, Hayward suffered a left shoulder contusion on Nov. 3, 2022 that developed into a fracture and kept him out until Dec. 16. He also missed eight games in January 2023 with left hamstring soreness.
Written by David Chao, MD
