Will Gordon Hayward pan out?
There is always an if in every Gordon Hayward sentence regarding the OKC Thunder. Hayward has a long history of injuries and only played in 25 games this season before being traded by the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, Vasiljie Micic, and Davis Bertans.
Hayward's potential on the team is promising. The former All-Star is a threat from the outside, shooting 36 percent from the three-point line. He can also make the right plays, norming close to five assists per game.
Hayward posted about 14 points per game on the nights he played for the Hornets this year. He was reliable in all of those games, showcasing the steady play any contender would be lucky to have.
Hayward’s arrival did not come with a promise of success for the Thunder. He is there to compensate for lineup discrepancies, provide dependable shooting and facilitating, and deliver leadership.
His potential is palpable, and Hayward’s fit with the team has been deemed undeniable. For most eyes, he is a perfect fit for a team that loves to read and react like the young Thunder. The Hayward move certainly boosted the team’s chances to compete in games that mattered most.
But then again, that comes with a big if.