Hornets F Gordon Hayward suffers broken finger on shooting hand
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward has a broken finger on his right hand.
The team announced on Wednesday that he suffered an avulsion fracture of his right fifth metacarpal — his pinky finger — during Monday’s preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. An avulsion fracture occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone.
He will miss Thursday’s preseason finale against the the Orlando Magic and will be listed as day-to-day. The Hornets open regular-season play on Dec. 23 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Disappointing start for Hayward in Charlotte
The Hornets acquired Hayward this offseason via a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics worth $120 million over four seasons. Paired with rookie LaMelo Ball, Hayward is the face of a rebuild that the Hornets hope can lead them into playoff contention this season.
Hayward, 30, averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point distance last season with the Celtics. He’s expected to take on a bigger role in Charlotte after leaving a Celtics roster that was crowded on the wing.
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