Gordon Hayward: From NBA Star to Film Producer

Gordon Hayward’s illustrious NBA career officially drew to a close this offseason. Having played his last game with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hayward chose to retire at the age of 34, marking a significant transition from a life of intense athleticism to exploring new creative horizons. This change echoes a familiar narrative among retired athletes, who often seek to engage in endeavors they had to set aside during their fast-paced careers.

Gordon Hayward reflects on his career transition.

Embracing Life Beyond Basketball

As Hayward steps away from the court, he embraces the luxury of time—a resource often scarce during his playing days. With newfound freedom, he’s taken up various leisure activities such as golf and tennis, the latter being a sport he enjoyed during his high school years. Family has also taken center stage, with Hayward cherishing the moments with his children he had to miss while chasing his basketball dreams.

“Initially, they were all upset about it, because they wanted me to keep playing,” Hayward shared in an interview. “But then it sunk in that I’m going to be around more, and they like that, too.”

For many, the life of a professional athlete often comes with sacrifices. In Hayward’s case, he has found a gratifying balance between his family life and new pursuits, allowing him to be a more present father.

A Shift to Storytelling

While his transition from basketball to the arts might come as a surprise, Hayward is following his passion for storytelling through his new venture, Whiskey Creek Productions. The production company is set to launch its first film, Notice to Quit, featuring acclaimed actor Michael Zegen from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Hayward describes the film as “about a real estate broker in New York who’s trying to figure things out as far as life is concerned.” The film’s narrative unfolds with the character grappling not only with the challenge of making ends meet but also with profound personal struggles as he faces eviction—not just from his apartment, but also from his daughter’s life as she relocates to Orlando.

The Making of a Producer

Interestingly, Hayward didn’t always envision a career in film. Unlike many who prepare for a post-sports life with formal training, Hayward’s exposure to cinema was born out of necessity during long flights, as athletes were often provided with DVDs to entertain themselves. The evolution of technology from portable DVD players to streaming services has enhanced this experience, allowing Hayward to cultivate a love for film.

When reflecting on his unexpected new path, Hayward acknowledges how his previous life as a basketball player prepared him for the unpredictability of film production. “It’s not always going to go exactly the way that you planned,” he stated, emphasizing the need for passion and hard work—qualities essential both in sports and filmmaking.

Future Projects and Aspirations

As Whiskey Creek Productions looks forward to future projects, Hayward is open about wanting to pursue storytelling beyond the realm of sports. Many assume that athletes turned filmmakers would gravitate toward narratives steeped in athleticism, but Hayward seeks to create diverse stories that resonate universally.

“I feel like a lot of people, when athletes make movies, they want to make it all about sports… I want to do movies that are not just about sports,” he expressed.

Hayward’s focus is firmly set on the success of Notice to Quit, but he already teases future endeavors in development, indicating a commitment to evolving as a storyteller.

Conclusion: A New Chapter

As Gordon Hayward embarks on this uncharted territory of film production, he draws upon the lessons learned throughout his basketball career. With a steadfast belief in his work ethic and passion, Hayward is poised to carve out a niche in an industry as competitive as the one he left behind. Just as he once battled opponents on the court, he now aims to win over audiences with compelling narratives that transcend the typical athlete’s tale.

With the release of Notice to Quit, Hayward challenges the conventional path laid before retired athletes, demonstrating that passion and creativity can lead to remarkable reinventions. As he enters this chapter in his life, one can only anticipate what stories he will bring to the silver screen next.