Gordon Hayward Left Disappointed By Stint With Top-Seeded Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a disappointing end to their season after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in a six-game Western Conference semifinal series. One player spoke out on his frustrating time with the Thunder and how his lack of production was not much of his fault.

Veteran Gordon Hayward landed in OKC mid-season after Thunder GM Sam Presti signed off on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets, hoping to add scoring and a seasoned presence for the young team. 

Playing a significantly reduced role in his OKC stint, the media asked Hayward about his experience in his exit interview. Hayward didn't mince words about the ‘dispiriting' experience. 

Coming into the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the West, the young OKC squad was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylin Williams and Chet Holmgren.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Gordon Hayward #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before tipoff against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Despite being a consistent double-digit scorer, Hayward was not part of the Thunder's postseason lineup, sparking questions about his waned role.

"Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. Certainly frustrating," Hayward said.

"That’s a credit to kinda the role I was placed in and lack of touches," he added.

Not all of Hayward's exit interview was dedicated to thrashing the OKC brain trust. He credited coach Mark Daigneault for leading a budding team in the West to the second round of the playoffs. 

OKC's future looks bright, with or without Hayward's impact. Hayward averaged 21.9 points for the Utah Jazz at the height of his career.

The veteran forward, 34, now looks to bring scoring to a new team as he approaches unrestricted free-agent status.

"But kind of it is what it is. We have a great team here with great young players and a great coach. So the future is bright," Gordon said.

DALLAS, TX - MAY 18: Gordon Hayward #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 2 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com