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Utah Jazz reactions to Gordon Hayward joining Celtics

How did the organization and the team react to the stunning news?

NBA: Playoffs-Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, July 4, 2017—a date which will live in infamy—the Utah Jazz were suddenly and deliberately attacked by the news of Gordon Hayward joining the Boston Celtics. Here’s a quick roundup of how members of the Jazz organization and players (past and present) took the news.

Rudy Gobert

It’s safe to say Gobert as been the most critical voice within the Jazz organization. In addition Gobert ‘liked’ some posts on Twitter critical of Hayward’s decision, though many have been redacted.

Ricky Rubio

While never having played with Hayward Rubio still sympathizes with his new fan base.

Trey Lyles

Shortly after news broke of Hayward joining the Celtics Lyles took to Twitter to mock Jazz fans with this gif of a laughing DiCaprio. Though the original tweet has been deleted, many of the replies to Lyles’s tweet remain and are too good to not mention.

Trey Lyles just guaranteed he’s getting booed the next time he’s in Utah, provided that he makes it off the bench.

Craig Bolerjack

He had that #BuckleUp feeling all along.

Gail Miller, Steve Starks, Dennis Lindsey

There are many reasons why these three people are calling the shots for the Jazz. One of those reasons is that they are tactful and can resist the urge to pile-on while so many were criticizing Hayward’s decision.

Quin Snyder

Here’s an excerpt from Snyder’s statement on Hayward. The rest can be found here.

“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.

The only way you could say ‘no’ to playing for this guy would be if your college coach is available and coaches in a much easier division.

Derrick Favors

Hayward only mentioned one player in his ‘thank you’ letter: Jeremy Evans.

Ever the cryptic tweeter, Favors managed to convey more emotion in two words than Hayward mustered in his entire Players’ Tribune article. Honestly this reaction stings the most as these two were teammates for almost their entire respective careers.

When big news breaks there will always be a myriad of different reactions. It’s important to remember that everyone is human and we’re all going to react to things differently. As a fan base let’s be respectful of each other as we try to move forward during this disappointing time.