This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Right now, everything comes down to slow, step-by-step learning for Gordon Hayward.
The Utah Jazz rookie forward made his preseason debut in the team's starting lineup Thursday night, as Utah downed the Phoenix Suns 108-97 at Energy Solutions Arena before a crowd of 19,883.
For every positive Hayward produced — driving hard along the baseline to the basket, suspending himself in mid air, finding a wide open C.J. Miles on the right wing, then speeding down the court after Miles drilled a 3 — there was a negative. His initial defensive matchup, Suns forward Hedo Turkoglu, scored 11 quick points and hit 3 of his first 4 3-point attempts. And Hayward's final line — two points, four assists, two rebounds — did not match his 21 minutes on the court.
"I think I played all right," said Hayward, who was 1 of 5 from the field. "Missed some shots that I would have liked to hit. But I think as the game slows down, it'll come back. I'm not worried about that.
The Jazz (4-0) are not initially looking for big numbers from the ninth overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. The team is content to gauge Hayward's progress, monitor his comfort and confidence, and take his pulse as the learning process continues.
Moreover, the 20-year-old Hayward's youth is in some ways his biggest asset. Mistakes are expected to be erased by experience and time. Strengths should only become enhanced.
"He's a young guy … trying to figure out what's going on," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "It's not an easy thing."
Through four exhibition games, the small forward's statistics speak more of his youth than his talent. His 26 percent (6 of 23) field-goal accuracy tops only Earl Watson, while Hayward is averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. But despite his recent 4 of 18 shooting streak, Sloan said the team is not about to give up on its prized draft pick just because "he doesn't score 40 points a night."
In addition, Hayward's ability to do many things well — defend, pass, rebound, score — but nothing great could eventually translate into long-term success as his overall play evolves.
"He just has to learn to read certain things," Sloan said.
While Hayward's learning curve changes daily, he has found stability in his similar-aged teammates.
Fellow rookies Ryan Thompson and Jeremy Evans have formed a quick, instant bond with the former Butler standout. The trio hits the gym together and put up hundreds of shots during off days. They trade jokes and discuss the finer things in life during down time. And they offer each other support and encouragement as first-year players on a team dominated by veterans such as Deron Williams, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.
"It's cool to be able to have friends like that," Hayward said. "They've been good to me so far. Hopefully, we can continue that friendship."
While Hayward continues to find his way in the NBA, Jefferson is drawing closer to his desired role as Robin to Williams' Batman. The seventh-year center had his best game in white, blue and green, scoring a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting and grabbing six rebounds.
"He scored us a lot of points," Sloan said. "We're happy for him. I thought he was a lot more alive; his body looks like it's getting in better shape."
Turkoglu scored a team-high 13 points for the Suns (1-4).
The Jazz shot 87.5 percent (21 of 24) from the free throw line, won all but the second quarter in terms of points, dished out 26 assists, and outrebounded Phoenix 51-34.
The last time Utah won four consecutive games to open the preseason was 1976-77, when the franchise was still based in New Orleans.
Briefly • Jazz center Kyrylo Fesenko left the game late in the fourth quarter, due to a hard fall that occurred after he tripped over teammate Ryan Thompson while running down the court. X-rays showed that Fesenko suffered a sprained right wrist. He is day to day.
Storylines
R Big step • Al Jefferson has his best outing with the Jazz, scoring a game-high 24 points.
Brute force • Utah outrebounds Phoenix 51-34, led by Paul Millsap's seven.
Energy efficient • The Jazz dish out 26 assists while committing 19 turnovers.