Kofi Inkoom
Gordon Hayward’s postseason performance with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been underwhelming, particularly due to his lack of scoring. In the eight playoff games so far, Hayward has failed to score any points, despite spending 46 minutes on the court.
During a postseason press conference on Sunday, Hayward expressed his frustration not only with his own performance but also with the Thunder for not giving him more playing time. (Video link)
“Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. Certainly frustrating… I feel as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn’t really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I would be given that opportunity,” Hayward said.
When asked if he agreed with those who say he didn’t often look to shoot during his minutes, Hayward responded,
“I think with the minutes that I was given, and like I said, the role that I was in, I think there might have been some possessions where I could probably have been more aggressive. But it’s hard when you just get in the game and it’s not like you’re given an open shot, you’re asked to — I’ve never really been the type of player to kind of just go 1-on-1 first time I get it, take a tough contested shot.”
Hayward’s offensive struggles are evident in his minimal shot attempts; he took only three shots throughout the playoffs and missed all of them. While he contributed modestly in other areas, with nine rebounds and three assists in seven games, his averages of 1.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game indicate a limited impact beyond scoring.
During the regular season, Hayward’s numbers were more respectable, though still below his career averages. He averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting efficiently from both the field and three-point range. His shooting percentages of 45.3% from the field and 51.7% from beyond the arc highlighted his offensive capabilities, albeit in a limited role.
Hayward’s trade to the Thunder at the deadline was seen as a chance for a fresh start. However, his struggles to find his scoring touch in the postseason have raised questions about his fit with the team and his ability to make an impact when it counts the most.
With Hayward in the final year of his lucrative contract, earning over $33 million this season, his time with the Thunder might be nearing its end.