As OKC Thunder hits drive to NBA Playoffs, keep an eye on Gordon Hayward's comfort level
TORONTO — Gordon Hayward hasn’t exactly always looked like the playoff-caliber contributor Thunder fans hoped for at the deadline. Plenty has factored into that.
The midseason shift, his age and who he is at this stage, the desire to fit into such an already well constructed nucleus — a limbo that seemingly gnaws at him at times on the floor.
Passing out of layup attempts at the rim, swinging one more pass on possessions that could easily end with him. His reluctance is evident. The gap between being that secondary-creating, late-clock saving, efficient spot-up shooter and a disruptive aged veteran might not be so big in Hayward’s eyes.
Maybe the team isn’t rushing Hayward to fit into the puzzle. Coach Mark Daigneault has vocalized his awareness of the kind of time that takes. Hayward seems to understand that, too. Fifteen years in the league certainly help there. But it hasn’t kept him from his tug-of-war of decisions.
He’s eased along. By facilitating instead of just existing within the spacing he provides. By chucking more catch-and-shoot 3s. But navigating some consistency in picking his spots will likely determine how valuable he is come April. He’ll get his share of chances against playoff teams in this final stretch.
More: Thunder vs Raptors recap: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 23 points as OKC topples Toronto
Monitoring Josh Giddey’s effectiveness
Josh Giddey’s development has seen bright spots in the past month.
Learning how to be an effective screener and gain skills away from the ball was likely always going to be necessary inside OKC’s system. He’s taken strides as a passer in the pocket, rolling and becoming a practical outlet when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is crowded. Giddey is working on being a reputable screener, but he’s done enough in games lately.
He’s fallen in line as a cutter. He hasn’t exactly been a marksman all season — and teams haven’t stopped making the business decision of ignoring him — but he’s made enough teams pay as of late to offset any consistency.
Using him in the dunker spot and as a cutter has extended his Thunder lifespan. Sets where he trades places with Holmgren have produced new looks. Whether the Thunder staff finds new ways or sets to keep Giddey involved just before the postseason will be key.
More: What makes Chet Holmgren a force inside for OKC Thunder? 'He eats the punches'
Composure during final stretch
As of Saturday morning, the Thunder sits a half game ahead of the Nuggets for first place atop the Western Conference. But things could get rocky.
According to Tankathon, the Thunder has the fourth most difficult remaining schedule in the NBA. That 13-game stretch includes nine different teams in the playoff picture, one of which OKC will play twice (Bucks). The Rockets, who the Thunder will host on the second night of a back-to-back, are knocking on the door of the play-in tournament.
There are all sorts of necessary data points remaining. A final meeting with Dallas, this time presumably with Luka Doncic, ahead of a possible postseason matchup. One last linkup with the Kings, who had OKC’s number in the early part of the season. The Knicks are 7-3 in their last 10, having added OG Anunoby the same week the Thunder played them. He’s made a few appearances this month after a long, confusing absence.
The Thunder has gone all season without seeing the Bucks, a team that’s seemingly shapeshifted more than most this season. And the Celtics are the Celtics.
The Thunder has won almost 50 games, mostly due to a firm identity. How well that identity holds up, and which teams force them to act somewhat differently, will be something to monitor during these final few weeks.
More: What is OKC Thunder's nightmare playoff matchup? How about Luka Doncic, Mavericks?
Thunder vs. Bucks
TIPOFF: 6 p.m. Sunday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee (Bally Sports Oklahoma)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Gordon Hayward's comfort level is key before NBA Playoffs
