Gordon Hayward Must Find Comfortability Quick in New Role

Oklahoma City’s trade deadline addition hasn’t found a way to make an impact for the Thunder yet.

Apr 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Gordon Hayward (33) / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City has been hit by the injury bug, it’s no secret. A team that was extraordinarily healthy the entirety of the season is finally feeling the pain of lineup changes and star power missing down the stretch. It’s not the whole team, and it’s not long term, but it has affected the Thunder in a big way as of late.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have missed consecutive games, and Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined before that, too. Oklahoma City’s offense has suffered big time and stalled out in the clutch. The Thunder blew a late lead to the Sixers after being ahead most of the game, and then got blown out in the final frame against the Celtics after trimming the lead to seven points. The team has lacked a reliable go-to option, and that’s to be expected without your two best offensive players.

At the trade deadline, Oklahoma City traded for veteran Gordon Hayward, who was supposed to be someone who could really help in situations just like this one. When healthy, Hayward could provide supporting help to Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, and on nights where OKC needed another option, Hayward could step up. The experiment hasn’t gone according to plan yet, though.

 

In 22 games with the Thunder, Hayward is averaging 4.4 points on 38.8% from the floor. He’s shooting 52% from 3-point range, but only attempting 1.1 triples in 17 minutes a game. He’s been a solid rebounder and a willing passer, but Oklahoma City’s play seems to decline when he’s on the floor. That can change at any point in time, but right now, it’s the harsh reality.

Oklahoma City needs Hayward to find another gear with the playoffs looming. He has to be more aggressive on the offensive end and find a way to get comfortable in Mark Daigneault’s system. Everything that the Thunder envisioned he could provide can still happen, but it’s not off to a great start.

The former All-Star has looked effective in transition and has been able to handle the rock off ball screens. At times though, his newness on the roster has caused him to overpass or pass up on shots he needs to take. An open 3-pointer is a good shot for the Thunder, and the team needs him to step into those with confidence.

Hayward’s problem in Charlotte wasn’t on-court play, it was unfortunate injuries. He played in just 25 games for the Hornets this season. But if he can replicate the production he had in Charlotte, Oklahoma City would be that much more dangerous in the playoffs. Hayward averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 46.8% for the Hornets. If he can hover just below 10 points per game with average defense, it would be a massive win for the Thunder’s bench.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams can’t play the entire game together when the first round rolls around. Whether it’s Hayward, Isaiah Joe, or even Josh Giddey, someone needs to step up as third option when it comes to scoring the ball. Giving Oklahoma City’s two stars relief when they’re on the court alone will be crucial in the postseason.

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