SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Rookie Gordon Hayward will start for the Jazz on Monday night against Oklahoma City in place of Raja Bell, who has a groin injury.
“I want to give him a chance to play a little bit, get some experience,” Utah coach Jerry Sloan said of Hayward, who will be making his first NBA start. “He has athletic ability, but this game will screw with your head a little bit. You’re in constant learning mode.”
Hayward’s most extensive action came in a loss to Phoenix on Oct. 28 when he played 25 minutes and scored six points and added six rebounds.
