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Gordon Hayward is considerably wealthier after signing a new max contract with the Jazz in July, his arms are more muscular, owing to all the time he has spent in the weight room during the offseason. And, he's now a married man.
Big summer. Big changes.
However, in return, he's being asked to lead the 2014-15 edition of the Utah Jazz.
And, yes, he says he's up to the task.
"It all tells me that the trust the organization has had in me is huge," Hayward said. "It makes me feel more like a leader here. I can't express how happy I am to be back with the Utah Jazz."
Aside from the baby face that makes him look younger than his 24 years, the 6-foot-8 Hayward is a different player than the one who walked in the door here n 2010. He's much more polished, and he's not shy about saying where he believes this team is headed.
Hayward thinks the Jazz will make a significant leap from last season. His Team USA experience, though ultimately unsuccessful — he was one of the final players cut — helped forge relationships with other players and, especially, New Orleans coach Monty Williams. He spoke of his desire to be an NBA All-Star and thinks he can become one of the league's elite players.
Such boastful talk could make a coach or a general manager cringe. But new Jazz coach Quin Snyder and Utah GM Dennis Lindsey love what they've heard from Hayward — both on Monday and since he signed the four-year, $63 million deal.
"We have a lot of faith in Gordon and his ability," Lindsey said. "That's been spoken of before today. We think that he's still very young, and that he can take a significant step forward. We think he has room to grow and that he still has a very high ceiling. We're delighted that he's back with us."
Hayward has had his battles with self-confidence during his NBA career. He was at times unsteady during his rookie season — who can forget Deron Williams whizzing the ball at him after he ran the wrong way on a play four years ago? — and has struggled just about every year with his shooting. Hayward topped out at just 41 percent from the floor last year and only 30 percent from the 3-point line.
However, the gifts have also been apparent. Hayward can play three positions on the floor, he's one of the better defensive players in the league at small forward and he has always been a superb passer.
And Hayward passed the eyeball test on Monday. He is noticeably bigger in his upper body. That could help him finish more plays in the lane through traffic, which has been difficult for him in the past. He spoke of team success, and seems more at ease being a team leader, along with d Derrick Favors.
"I feel like we should definitely take a step forward from last year," Hayward said. "At the same time, we understand that the Western Conference is very competitive and that it's the NBA. A good year for me is helping us do things that we haven't done before. I want to improve this year. This is my fifth season, and I feel like I should be better than last year. I definitely want to be an all-star in this league."
Hayward said he's ready for just about anything, and expects to play anywhere in Snyder's system — even a little stretch power forward should the Jazz implement some small lineups. The new coach's wide open offense should help Hayward, because of its emphasis on spacing and transition.
Hayward's talent has bever been in question. He went from a little-known recruit to one of the best players in the country at Butler University. And in the NBA he has flashed considerable ability. That's why Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets came calling this summer with the max offer sheet.
"Gordon is so talented," Jazz guard Alec Burks said. "He's one of those guys that can do so many things on a basketball court. Not many players can get you 16-5-5."
But the Jazz need an alpha dog to thrive in this NBA. They need someone who can take over games. Gordon Hayward was not that guy last season.
Can he be in 2014-15? With that big contract, that's the challenge for him that lies ahead.
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Gordon Hayward file
• Is 24 years old and got married over the summer
• Participated in camp this past summer for Team USA
• Signed a maximum contract after the Jazz matched Charlotte's offer sheet
• Averaged 16 points, five rebounds and five assists per game last season —
Gordon Hayward year-by-year
Season Pts. Rebs. Ast
2010-2011 5.4 1.9 1.1
2011-2012 11.8 3.5 3.1
2012-2013 14.1 3.1 3.0
2013-2014 16.2 5.1 5.2