Gordon Hayward critical of Thunder following playoff exit

Photo: Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Hayward was practically non-existent during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff run this season, and the veteran seems to think he would have done more if given the opportunity.

Hayward appeared in seven playoff games for Oklahoma City. He did not record a single point, and he remained on the bench for the final three games of the Thunder’s Western Conference semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks. When asked on Sunday about his role, Hayward called the situation “frustrating.”

“Disappointed with how it all worked out. Certainly frustrating,” Hayward said. “As a player, I have a lot to offer. I just wasn’t given much of an opportunity to do that.”

Gordon Hayward on his role with OKC: “Disappointed with how it all worked out. Certainly frustrating.

As a player, I have a lot to offer. I just wasn’t given much of an opportunity to do that.”

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) May 19, 2024

Hayward averaged 7.8 minutes per game in the seven contests in which he appeared. He took a total of three shots and missed them all. While he had very limited chances, he seemed to lack confidence and was hesitant to shoot. If the Thunder thought Hayward could have done more with a bigger role, they would not have benched him for end of their 4-2 series loss to Dallas.

The 34-year-old Hayward was traded to the OKC from the Charlotte Hornets at the February deadline. He played 17.2 minutes per game for the Thunder in the regular season and averaged just 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Hayward is set to become a free agent this summer after playing out the final year of a 4-year, $120 million contract that he did not live up to.