Gordon Hayward Injury: Updates on Jazz Star's Finger and Recovery

Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward dislocated his finger Oct. 7 when his hand became stuck in a teammate's jersey at practice and had not played since. However, he is ready to make his debut.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Hayward's Playing Status

Saturday, Nov. 5

The Jazz announced on Saturday that Hayward would play against the New York Knicks on Sunday, per David Locke of WeareUtahJazz.com. Prior to the opening tip, the Deseret News' Jody Genessy reported that Hayward will start.

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Jazz Need Hayward Healthy for Playoff Push

The Jazz had high hopes for Hayward when they selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft out of Butler, and he has proved them right by improving in each of his six professional seasons.

Hayward has emerged as Utah's best all-around player, and the 26-year-old native of Indianapolis has been developing into a star with the Jazz. Last year, he scored a career-high 19.7 points per game.

He will be the driving force behind Utah's playoff push if there is one in 2016-17.

Although Hayward has been relatively healthy in recent years, he has experienced his fair share of bumps and bruises, missing six contests in 2014-15 and five in 2013-14. For the most part, however, he has managed to avoid debilitating injuries that tend to put players on the shelf for weeks or months.

Hayward is a true stat-sheet stuffer who makes a major impact for the Jazz at both ends of the floor, and while they have some decent depth across the board, they don't have a comparable wing to step in for him when he is out of action. 

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