NBA Season Preview 2022-23: 5 players looking to shed injury-prone label

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Gordon Hayward (20) in a time out during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Gordon Hayward (20) in a time out during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets

Somehow this is Gordon Hayward’s 13th year in the league. He was a durable player over the first seven years of his career, but that all took a turn five years ago when he suffered that horrifying broken leg on Opening Night of the 2017-18 season.

Since arriving in Charlotte two years ago, Hayward has played 44 and 49 games, missing the last two months of the season on both occasions. The Hornets have been a good team when Hayward is healthy and playing. They just need him to be in the lineup for the most important part of the season.

It looks like maybe Hayward did some lifting over the summer.

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