The Heat are going to pull out all the stops to impress Gordon Hayward to the point he signs with the team. That apparently includes appealing to his love of gaming.
Hayward is one of the top free agents available this summer. And while the Jazz would love to bring Hayward back, Miami will have the first opportunity to convince him to sign elsewhere. Hayward is set to meet with representatives of the Heat on Saturday as they make their pitch. Among those in attendance will be Hassan Whiteside, who shares Hayward’s love for video games.
Udonis Haslem and Hassan Whiteside among Heat players at today's full-court press with Gordon Hayward in Miami.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 1, 2017
So why Whiteside today? Hayward is a huge video gamer, with past presentations by teams including such elements.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 1, 2017
The Heat have also put a banner of Hayward in a Heat uniform outside of American Airlines Arena.
Have confirmed that this banner is legit, has been put up with other players' on drive outside of AmericanAirlines Arena. pic.twitter.com/LjJZoOIrEr
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 1, 2017
Pat Riley and his crew are generally not to be underestimated at this time of year. If they do come away with one of the prizes of this free agent class it can’t be seen as a surprise.
