:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51254291/usa-today-9590290.0.jpg)
According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, Utah Jazz forward and All-Star aspirant Gordon Hayward is going to miss some time due to a dislocated finger.
Sources: Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward dislocated finger on left hand and is in process of determining next step. Expected to miss time.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 7, 2016
The internet outcry was immediate:
Gordon Hayward dislocating finger. No! #UtahJazz pic.twitter.com/skAWMrL2LF
— Irvin Ruiz (@Holy_Geezus) October 7, 2016
Others have jumped to a different conclusion:
RODNEY HOOD TIIIIIIIME
— Tweetgood Mac (@SnottieDrippen) October 7, 2016
Our own Andy Larsen had this to add:
It wasn't mentioned by PR or players or coaches at practice today, but then again, it's not like we asked about Hayward's finger. https://t.co/H2DlH2Vml7
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) October 7, 2016
I’d love to shed some light on this problem myself, if there were more details about which finger, what type of dislocation it was, and how severe the injury is. But well, you know, Utah Jazz PR Iron Curtain is in effect.
UPDATE: Jody Genessy of the DN has more info!
Bad news. Gordon Hayward suffered a dislocated and broken finger on his left hand. He's expected to miss six weeks, according to sources.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 7, 2016
So this means missing the rest of the preseason, and won’t be in action until mid/late November. (Games against Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and probably also the road trip facing the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.) Which makes us really hope Alec Burks is going to be good to go when the season begins. And more reliance upon Joe Ingles in the rotation, and possibly Trey Lyles stealing some wing minutes as well.
This is another test for our depth if he’s going to be out for any significant time. Personally, we saw what he did against the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns and I assumed the Jazz were going to keep him out of Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers anyway. This may be the excuse they use to do that.
A injury like this may not really mean anything, but it’s a good chance to get Rodney Hood and childhood hero Joe Johnson on the court a little bit more at the early part of the season.
I’m fine with it. Quin Snyder is a smart coach, and Dennis Lindsey made a great team. It’s going to be fine, Jazzfans.