MIAMI _ Saturday was supposed to be the day Gordon Hayward returned to AmericanAirlines Arena in enemy colors, after spurning the Miami Heat following a July 1 free-agency meeting at the facility.
Instead, with the All-Star forward likely sidelined for the season following a gruesome opening-night foot injury, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reflected on the result of the process that led the former Utah Jazz scorer to Boston.
"We loved the meeting with Gordon," Spoelstra said. "There's a reason why we recruited him. And we thought it went well. You just never know how those things are going to play out."
He then alluded to both acquiring and losing LeBron James though similar free-agency pitches.
"We've had it play out both ways _ in spectacular fashion both ways," Spoelstra said. "So we absolutely respected his choice to be a free agent and make what he felt was the best choice for him and his family.
"We told him right from the get-go, you can't go wrong. That's one of those decision in your career that very players have. Any one of those choices were great choices, great organizations, that each organization respects structure and the commitment to winning. And that's where you want to be as a free agent, where you can't really make a mistake."
Spoelstra said the Heat appreciated Hayward's deliberations.
"It doesn't mean that it's not going to be tough to make that decision," Spoelstra said, "but if you're playing that game, you want to make sure you're always going to be right."
And then came that devastating leg injury and ensuing surgery.
"To see him not be able to compete this year, we felt like we got to know him enough that you really feel for him and his family, so early into the season," Spoelstra said. "We all wished him a quick recovery."
