Gordon Hayward, the NBA All-Star and Butler Bulldogs icon, has announced his retirement from professional basketball after a distinguished 14-year career. Hayward, who spent the 2023-24 season with both the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, is now ready to pivot to a new chapter in Hollywood.

Despite a season filled with promise, Hayward’s stint with the Thunder ended without scoring a point during their playoff run. General manager Sam Presti admitted the acquisition was a miss, acknowledging the challenge of integrating Hayward into the team’s dynamic. The former All-Star, who once shone brightly with the Utah Jazz, struggled to regain his peak form following a severe injury during his debut with the Boston Celtics.

The End of a Journey

Hayward’s basketball journey, marked by highs like an All-Star nod in 2017 and a memorable run to the NCAA championship game in 2010, is now making way for a new endeavor. The 34-year-old has revealed to IndieWire that he will be focusing on his production company, Whiskey Creek, which he co-founded with partner Simon Hacker. This shift includes launching a distribution arm aimed at releasing independent films theatrically.

“It’s hard to leave something that I’ve been doing for so long and that I’ve obviously loved,” Hayward shared. “But for me personally, I felt like it was just time. I’ve got a family that’s all starting to grow up really fast before my eyes. I’ve got four kids. Just the ability to be able to hang out more with them, go to all their events, be more around was a huge factor for me.”

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As he transitions from the court to the cinema, Gordon Hayward is set to immerse himself in the film industry, a passion he has long held. His partner, Hacker, brings seasoned expertise to the table, and together they aim to make a mark with Whiskey Creek’s new distribution branch. The company’s first release, “Notice to Quit,” a dramedy starring Michael Zegen, is slated for a wide theatrical release on September 27.

Hayward’s shift from basketball to film reflects his broad interests and readiness for a new challenge. His career may have taken him off the court, but his next role promises to keep him in the spotlight, this time from behind the camera.