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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
Um ... it's safe to say Rudy Gobert found out about Gordon Hayward signing with Boston.
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 5, 2017
( rudygobert27 | Instagram) pic.twitter.com/QdiT5olQxD
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
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 4, 2017
While never having played with Hayward Rubio still sympathizes with his new fan base.
Trey Lyles
Let's check in on Trey Lyles pic.twitter.com/sZUhop7w3m
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 5, 2017
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.
The 5th string PF for the nuggets decides to weigh in.
— Bryant J. (@Bjensen630) July 5, 2017
What's that noise?? Oh it's another brick from @TreyLyles
— Jameson Golding (@Jcougar23) July 5, 2017
Sorry you were so bad that we were forced to trade you.
— riboflavin (@riboflavinLLC) July 5, 2017
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
I've been in a lot of locker rooms. I get the business side, but it takes a unique individual to finish the task
— Craig Bolerjack (@BuckleUpBoler) July 5, 2017
I wanted him to stay !
He had that #BuckleUp feeling all along.
Gail Miller, Steve Starks, Dennis Lindsey
— Utah Jazz PR (@UtahJazzPR) July 5, 2017
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.
Never forget
— Derrick Favors (@dfavors14) July 5, 2017
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.