In this edition of the Thunder mailbag, we look back at Gordon Hayward's time in OKC and the 2028 Olympics.

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@WWLSPlayback: Did it seem like Hayward was done when you watched him? It looked like he could still play, especially in December, but was just really passive in OKC.

There have been worse players who’ve squeezed at least another two to three seasons out of the NBA. Before the deadline, Gordon Hayward was still someone who could give a rebuilding team spot scoring and a veteran presence — even if he didn’t necessarily come with all the perfect veteran qualities.

Something certainly flipped in him once he reached Oklahoma City, which he made evident through his end-of-year comments. There was a divide in what the team — and perhaps many NBA teams — believed Hayward to be and what Hayward thought of himself.

When we spoke in April, just a couple months into his time with the Thunder, Hayward already seemed exhausted by the idea of his role, and perhaps what it meant for this chapter of his career. There was inevitable difficulty in joining a program that was already rolling, but the minutes weren’t scarce. He just seemingly figured he’d have more of the free reign he saw with the youthful Hornets — with all signs to his 34-year-old presence being significant — than the niche expectations he actually had in OKC.

When things unfolded, I imagine Hayward began to question himself. He got some reps as a ball handler and an abundance of them as a shooter, but they weren’t the ones he expected in order to be comfortable. The Thunder didn’t particularly need him, and it showed in the role.

Hayward probably could’ve squeezed some final glory out of a rebuilding team. But his retirement isn’t all that surprising.

Between the disconnect in how his time unfolded in OKC, being traded for the first time, his injury history, being separated from his family, and how highly he thought of himself, it made sense to walk away before he headed down a path even less fulfilling.

The same pride that told him he was too good for the role OKC handed him was the same pride that likely kept him from trying to salvage his name in some wasteland like Detroit. Plus, he’s a family man. He’ll have ample time to be who he wants to be now.

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@therealkickg: What do you think the chances (are) of JDub and Chet both making the Olympic team in 2028 compared to at least one of them making it?

I think the chances of only one making it are higher than both, though it feels like neither will be excluded moving forward. Especially if Jalen Williams continues to trend the way many think he is.

But Chet Holmgren, a 7-foot-1 shotblocking menace whose shooting touch warped defenses this season, feels like a guarantee. His skillset is just tougher to come by, and it translates as well as any to the international game.

Stretching a team out defensively never hurts. Having a player with true center size that can also put a lid on the rim will never truly go out of style. Equipped with both, Holmgren will remain an NBA and Olympic commodity. Plus, he’ll probably have some legitimate passing chops by the time the Los Angeles games swing around.

This isn’t to say Williams and who he’s projected to be won’t be a commodity. But combo wings aren’t as difficult to come by, even if it feels like he’ll be one of the faces of that mold in the years to come.

As we saw with Derrick White’s addition to Team USA, fit matters even assembling the world’s most powerful team. Holmgren’s skillset floats to the surface, far easier to fit in and build around than just about any mold.

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@HorathNath24631: What are your expectations for Cason? Do you think he can be the table setter for the second unit?

I’m not sure my expectations are that high for Cason Wallace as an initiator. It feels like the team is willing to lean into him as a secondary playmaker, enhancing some of the things he’s already shown. Making sound reads when attacking closeouts, creating for himself off the dribble occasionally, running a few more pick-and-rolls than he had the chance to a year ago.

In those areas, I think he can easily thrive. He’ll have room for error in the early months, with the Thunder surely willing to see some of its on-court agendas through while still prioritizing winning. But Cason Wallace, the primary initiator? It just feels unlikely.

It would take a massive leap, both from him and in the team’s dependency on that part of his game. I haven’t seen a reason for the team to completely abandon Jalen Williams as the lead creator of those lineups. Not to mention Alex Caruso offers some interesting things, especially in comparison to Lu Dort, if he’s staggered with some of those Jalen Williams-led second units.

Sam Presti’s intentions for Wallace becoming an increasingly important playmaker are important. But I don’t know that that means the Thunder will totally unravel the second unit and give him a notable amount of reps as the primary ball handler.

Wallace was so sound in his role last year that anything else would do wonders. Simply being a capable secondary ball handler should be enough.

To make future editions of the mailbag, email questions to jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or message him on Twitter @jxlorenzi.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder mailbag: When will Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams play for USA?