Hornets star forward Gordon Hayward has suffered a right foot sprain and will miss at least four weeks of action, according to a team press release. Hayward will be reevaluated after that four-week period.
The injury was suffered during the second quarter of Friday’s win over the Pacers. The initial diagnosis was confirmed via a physician’s exam and studies in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Hayward is averaging 19.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 4.1 APG in 34.0 MPG over 44 appearances.
Charlotte has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. Rookie of the Year candidate LaMelo Ball could miss the rest of the season after undergoing wrist surgery, while top reserve Malik Monk will miss at least two weeks with a right ankle sprain.
Charlotte will have to lean heavily on Cody Martin and Miles Bridges in Hayward’s absence. The Hayward acquisition was one of the biggest moves last offseason, as he agreed to a four-year, $120MM contract and officially joined the team in a sign-and-trade with the Celtics.
That stinks. At least LaMelo will be back in a few weeks and Heyward will be ready by the time the playoffs come around
Hayward probably won’t be ready for the playoffs, assuming his team even makes the postseason. There are only 6 weeks left before the play-in games and if he’s out for a minimum of four then he can hardly be counted on.
So they can watch the playoffs together? Hornets are going to have a hard time staying near .500 without their two best players.
Just like the Lakers w/o AD and LeBron.
Ball is going to be back in a few weeks? Who knew?
There shouldn’t be no rush to get a play in game. I rather have a lottery pick than lose in 1st rd.
As a note;
The right foot/ankle is the one that knocked him out of the playoffs last year.
The left ankle is the one he shattered in his Celtic’s debut.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
The injury we knew would happen, mr. glass
Color me shocked. And they get to pay him 31M a year when he is 34 too.
Great signing.
Lots of haters here. Brutal situation. Hate to see it
Him being out 4 weeks is a “brutal situation”?
Signing him for 4 years at big money is a brutal situation.
Speaking the truth isn’t “hating”
I personally think fully healthy, they’re a dangerous team, especially if they added a shooter at the 2/3 spots off the bench. So them losing multiple important pieces is a brutal situation, as the end of the season nears, where they’re currently a 4 seed.
Also, I don’t think the signing is that bad for a team like Charlotte who already was in a worse situation previously
They paid a little more than what would have been ideal, but he’s been a good signing. Curtis, not quite sure why you would classify it as brutal? Hayward is producing, and he’s helped make the team better.
I think the concern is years three and four of the contract.
Maybe also that availability is important.
Curtis is a Celtics fan. They signed him to big contract. Just get healthy is all I say.
Um.., I believe the Celtics did the same thing a few years ago…, signed him for 29 or 30 million dollars over several years. Don’t gloat too much. Sure there’s a difference between 34 and 30 but the guy still didn’t play much for the Celtics.
And now he’s not playing for Charlotte lol
4th and 8th seed are pretty much the same in East. This is Hornets way out now. No Ball no Hayward be lucky to get the play in game now. Only 5 gms out of 10th seed. Someone has to step up.
Tough break, they were a fun team to watch. Not sure they can sustain it without Gordon, Ball, and Monk for an extended period. If they sign Holmes or Drummond this off-season, they will be really good.
Guy is a bust. Is never healthy.