Gordon Hayward rumors: Hornets used Starcraft video game to recruit
By Bryan Rose
When you’re an in-demand free agent, especially in the NBA, franchises are going to go above and beyond the call of duty to impress you. We’ve already heard about the Los Angeles Lakers pitch to Carmelo Anthony which included movie trailers, but when you’re not in Hollywood like the Charlotte Hornets, what do you do to sway a player like Gordon Hayward?
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Perhaps put him into a Starcraft video game? Yep – that’s exactly what the Hornets did, at least according to Jody Genessy who says that was just part of their unique pitch to the forward as they attempted to sign him away from the Utah Jazz.
Gordon Hayward’s visit with the Hornets did end positive as they were able to agree on an offer sheet, but the terms were matched by the Utah Jazz who never had the slightest of intentions to let their small forward walk.
So what else was in Charlotte Hornet’s pitch to Gordon Hayward? Well, it’s hard to top the inclusion into his favorite video game, but there was also a Skype meeting with Michael Jordan in addition to having multiple analytical minds break down how effective Hayward would be in the Charlotte Hornets system.
Did all of that sell him on the idea of playing for the Hornets or was it the massive contract they offered? We’ll probably never know, especially now that he’ll be returning to the Utah Jazz.
Still, applause for a good effort on the part of the Hornets who have been looking to add a marquee name to their franchise this offseason.