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[Saba Sports News] Gordon Hayward had a minimal impact during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff journey, and the veteran believes he could have contributed more if given the chance.
Hayward participated in seven playoff games but failed to score, sitting out the last three games of the Thunder’s Western Conference semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks. Expressing his discontent, Hayward described his limited role as “frustrating.”
“I’m disappointed with how it all worked out. It’s certainly frustrating,” Hayward remarked. “As a player, I believe I have a lot to offer. I just wasn’t given much of an opportunity to show that.”
In the few games he played, Hayward averaged only 7.8 minutes, attempted just three shots, and missed all. His hesitance to shoot and limited opportunities suggest a lack of confidence, further highlighted by the decision to bench him during the crucial final stages of the Thunder’s 4-2 series defeat to Dallas.
Hayward, who was traded to the Thunder from the Charlotte Hornets at the February deadline, averaged 17.2 minutes, 5.3 points, and 2.5 rebounds per game during the regular season. As he approaches free agency after the conclusion of a 4-year, $120 million contract, which did not reflect his expected performance, Hayward faces an uncertain future.