What happens when an NBA All-Star hangs up his jersey? In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric connects with Gordon Hayward, a former player for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Now an entrepreneur and family man, Gordon shares his perspective on what it means to move on from professional sports and enter a new chapter of life, including his latest ventures like FORM, a basketball training tool that’s changing how young players learn to shoot.
Gordon keeps it real about life after basketball, staying in shape, youth sports, the college game, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Gordon Hayward is such a genuine and relatable guest. He speaks his mind, shares great insights, and has a clear passion for helping the next generation improve their shot. It was a privilege to have him on the podcast. Thank you, Gordon, for your time, inspiration, and stories.
What Gordon Hayward and I Discuss:
Life After the NBA: How Gordon stays active with tennis, golf, and fitness
The Power of Relationships: His connection with Paul George
FORM: The story behind Gordon’s training tool and how it’s helping kids master shooting fundamentals.
Gordon Hayward on Youth Sports Today: Youth sports have lost their way, there are too many games, and the focus needs to go back to skill development.
Mental Health in Sports: Gordon shares the emotional toll of a major injury, self-doubt, and social media as a pro athlete.
College Basketball and the Transfer Portal: How NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping college sports—and what that means for athletes.
NBA Media Deals: What the league’s $76 billion media deal says about the future of basketball.
Independent Media and Podcasts: How independent studios, podcasts, and engaged audiences are the new media.
Connect with Gordon Hayward & FORM:
Instagram:
@gordonhayward
X:
@gordonhayward
FORM products:
BasketballForm.com
FORM YouTube:
@formbasketballtrainer
FORM X:
@formbasketball
Notice to Quit (movie):
IMDB
Connect with Eric:
X:
@erickaz
LinkedIn:
@erickasimov
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Chapters in the Gordon Hayward Podcast:
* 00:00 – Intro: Brief intro and mention of NBA brotherhood.
* 00:43 – Life After the NBA: Transition to new routines, including golf and tennis.
* 03:42 – Journey to the NBA: Early basketball dreams, Butler University, and draft development.
* 07:34 – Mental Health: Managing a major injury, social media, and mental wellness in sports.
* 11:06 – The State of Youth Sports: Issues like early specialization, travel sports, too many games, and parent involvement.
* 31:13 – FORM Basketball: Product purpose, shooting form, and age-specific sizes.
* 34:57 – Gordon Hayward’s Relationship with Paul George: Collaboration in FORM Basketball and career support.
* 36:54 – College Basketball and NIL/Transfer Portal: NIL’s impact, transfer portal challenges,
