When the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Gordon Hayward, it was considered a clear upgrade for this roster. A veteran who can score the ball, not be a complete turnstile on defense, and seemingly fits in perfectly with what the Thunder are building for the stretch run of this season.
With visions of closing lineups and big shot-making taking over the Thunder discourse at the deadline, Hayward has not had a massive contribution in the box score yet. That has led to questions of whether the Butler product will have his fingerprints over Oklahoma City's success as was once thought.
The critical thing to remember is that Gordon Hayward, prior to his Thunder debut, had not logged an NBA minute since you put milk and cookies out for Santa.
He missed seven weeks with a calf strain and right now is working his way back into NBA shape. No matter the All-Star Break practices he got with Oklahoma City, it is impossible to simulate live NBA action.
So, as Hayward looks passive or runs up and down the floor trying to find a role to fill, it is important to give him time to adjust to what the Thunder are doing as well as the pace of the NBA again.
The one-time All-Star has been impressive on the defensive end, especially handling the Thunder's heavy rotation system early on, and there is reason to be confident the offense will come. Hayward has been a consistent scorer throughout his NBA career, once his sea legs are under him, he could start scoring in bunches.
Stiles Points
- The Oklahoma City Thunder own the NBA Title Belt and have for the sixth straight game. A win over the San Antonio Spurs would give the Thunder the longest run with the belt this season. Each year, the NBA Champion enters the year with the belt, and once they lose, they give it up, and it continues to change hands throughout the season.
- Ousmane Dieng had a stellar defensive game on Wednesday for the OKC Blue, earning multiple help-side blocks where he showed off his improved physicality.
- Olivier Sarr left the game against the Warriors on Wednesday morning with an ankle injury that he has been battling since Friday. There is no timetable for the injury, but he has remained back with the OKC Blue as the Thunder head to San Antonio.
- Zach Lowe said on NBA Today that the Oklahoma City Thunder have a solidified big three with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Song of the Day: Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
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