After a magical NCAA tournament run that led Butler to its first ever Final Four, sophomore sensation Gordon Hayward will keep his name in this years NBA Draft. This decision comes after much deliberation with family, friends, agents and NBA representatives.
This decision was well-researched and well thought out by Hayward’s family. They did not rush into a decision and from what I’m hearing, they have talked with many different agents, coaches and current players who were in a similar situation. This decision will affect the rest of Hayward’s life.
He is currently nabbed as a first round pick. First round pick translates into a guaranteed contract which is imperative from his standpoint. It means he will definitely be on an NBA roster for two years, get millions of dollars, and probably sign other promotion contracts.
After looking through multiple “mock drafts” which are a joke anyway, most experts have him around the 18th spot. The general feel is that Hayward will go anywhere from 15th-25th. If that’s the case, Gordon is absolutely making the right decision. He will earn millions of dollars guaranteed and there are a couple of future NBA problems looming. First there is a possible lockout after next season. This also means no draft until the issue is resolved. The other issue that may happen is a rookie contract structure that would pay each player less in their initial NBA years. Comparing the pros and cons of this situation, Hayward is doing the right thing.
Hayward has been keeping active after the Final Four ended. He is working out twice a day at St. Vincent’s Sports Performance Center which is one of the top training groups in the nation. Each May, dozens of NBA hopefuls visit the performance center to improve their athletic ability from lateral movement to quickness. He also has been attending each of his classes to finish out the semester. Very honorable. Very Butler-like.
Coach Brad Stevens said after their special run that he wouldn’t interfere with Hayward’s decision. Rightfully so because Coach Stevens hasn’t been in the same type of position. Although Stevens will fully support Hayward’s decision either way, he will of course encourage him to return. Although Hayward will not be returning next year, the 2010 Butler Bulldogs team—led by Gordon Hayward, will be talked about forever.