At the age of 34, Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from the game of basketball. After losing out to the Mavericks in the Playoff semifinals in a game series, Hayward had choice words regarding his playing time. “Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. Certainly frustrating.” He felt that the opportunity wasn’t given to him during the series to showcase his skills. Fans are shocked, and even the NBA veterans who have seen many players retire seem not to understand the reason for it.

Thunder was the youngest team to earn the number 1 seed, however, veteran Hayward played just 4.9 minutes on average during the series. Although he is yet to speak about what led to his retirement, he started his retirement post being thankful for the opportunity. “God has blessed me with an amazing journey, one that has taken turns I couldn’t have expected or dreamed of as a kid in Brownsburg, Indiana.”

In those 3 games, he played 7 minutes, 5 minutes, and 3 minutes and averaged 1.3 rebounds with 0 points contribution. Hayward was traded to OKC from the Hornets in 2024 and saw his minutes reduced, from starting 25 games for Charlotte to starting just 3 from 26 at Thunder during the regular season.

Maybe the fewer opportunities could be the reason for his retirement, the father of 4, now focuses his time on his family. “My kids Bernie, Charlie, Nora, and GT – you have been my inspiration, encouraging me to keep playing even when I could have been at home with you.” He also thanked his wife for the constant support, “and the biggest and most important thank you to my wife, Robyn – without you I don’t know where I’d be. You embody all these roles and so much more!”

A week ago, the OKC Thunder announced their preseason schedule, and today, Gordon Hayward took everyone by surprise with his announcement.

Gordon Hayward has the respect of the fans and veterans

One such veteran is Evan Turner, who first questioned the legitimacy of the retirement talks. “If the retirement rumors about Gordon Hayward are true, then I think I’m officially done watching the nba tbh.” Later, he even reshared the highlight reel of Hayward from his Jazz days and spoke highly about his performance. “He was the white man’s answer to manu ginobli.”

Apart from Turner, another 2010 draft player wished Gordon Hayward well for his future endeavors. Paul George wrote, “Enjoy your retirement fellow 2010 draftmate. Helluva career 🫡.” However, the sudden decision hasn’t sunk in yet with some fans and one user took to X to express it, “Damn … I didn’t see this at all. Salute to him.”

Spending 7 seasons with Jazz, the 9th overall pick made it a point to improve his scoring numbers every season. However, this didn’t last long as he moved to the Celtics, where he was injured in the very first game. The severity of leg injury sidelined him for the rest of the season and was unable to match his scoring prowess. “how injuries ruined you 💔,” another netizen wrote.

After his sudden retirement, the 2010 draft class has only one active player now from its pool of DeMarcus Cousins, Evan Turner, and the number 1 draft pick John Wall. “Gordan Hayward retired man 😭 the 2010 hoopers almost gone.” Paul George is the only active player from the class as he signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.”