Hornets' Hayward returns vs. Hawks after 9-game absence

Charlotte Hornets wing Gordon Hayward returned Friday against the Atlanta Hawks after missing nine straight games with a shoulder injury.

The veteran wing started the contest alongside LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Jalen McDaniels, and Mason Plumlee.

Entering Friday, Hayward had played in 11 games on the year for the 7-21 Hornets, averaging 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He is in his third season in Charlotte after stints with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics.

The 32-year-old hasn't managed to play in 50 games in any of his seasons with the Hornets.

Charlotte already received a big boost to its lineup this week with the return of star point guard Ball, who appeared in his fourth game of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Detroit Pistons.