Former Butler star Gordon Hayward announces NBA retirement

After a prolific college and NBA career, former All-Star Gordon Hayward announced on social media Thursday morning he is retiring from the game of basketball.

“Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball,” Hayward wrote . “It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”

Hayward’s NBA career was marred by injury, in particular a gruesome leg injury in his first game after signing with the Boston Celtics in 2017 that cost him an entire year.

However, his college career is historic, leading the Butler Bulldogs to an unprecedented run to the national championship game as a five seed in 2010. His half court heave against Duke in the championship game just missed, which would have made Butler one of the unlikeliest NCAA champions in basketball history.

Even though Butler didn’t win it all, Hayward’s performance helped raise the profile of the program and was a catalyst – along with coach Brad Stevens – in getting the school into the Big East in 2013 where they have remained ever since.

The 34-year-old retires after averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over 14 NBA seasons.