Quin Snyder Releases Statement on Gordon Hayward's Decision to Leave Jazz

Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder released a statement Wednesday about Gordon Hayward's decision to sign with the Boston Celtics, saying he was "thankful for the opportunity" to coach the All-Star small forward.

On Tuesday, Hayward revealed his intention to go to Boston via the Players' Tribune, and Snyder's comments about his impending departure were later posted on Utah's official website.

In part, Snyder discussed Hayward's growth during his seven seasons with the Jazz:      

"Since my arrival to Utah, Gordon gave his best every day we were together. I can't say enough about his professionalism day in and day out. He is a unique competitor, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have coached him over the last three seasons. Speaking on behalf of my staff, we are very proud of his growth and development as a player into an NBA All-Star and are also appreciative of his contributions. Gordon's progression epitomizes the partnership that we believe is the cornerstone of our player-development emphasis and philosophy."

The 50-year-old coach also said Utah will miss the "many contributions" Hayward made to the team but is confident the remaining players will "accept this challenge."

He added:

"To further lament Gordon's departure does not honor the commitment we have to our current players. Therefore, I would like to personally wish Gordon well as he and his family move on with his career. As we move forward, we'll continue to focus our attention on the place it is most needed and wanted, our players and the entirety of the Jazz organization."

Hayward, who averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 39.8 percent from three-point range last season, mentioned Snyder in his Players' Tribune letter:

"I think about Coach Snyder, who, our first conversation, when we met for dinner after he was hired—we didn't even talk basketball once. Not a single word. It was just life...and family...and who we were as individuals. As a coach, Coach Snyder is incredible in every aspect of the game. His leadership, his unique ability to motivate, and his insane attention to detail are such special qualities that I will miss so much. There's a lot of people I have to thank for where I am today as a basketball player, but honestly none more than Coach Snyder."

Joining the Celtics will allow the 27-year-old forward to reunite with Brad Stevens, his head coach during their time at Butler University.

Meanwhile, Snyder must find a way to make up for the lost production.

Joe Ingles figures to see the biggest uptick in playing time unless the Jazz make a blockbuster trade in an effort to fill the void.