Chicago Bulls: 3 NBA stars Garrett Temple shut down on defense

3) Stars Chicago Bulls SG Garrett Temple shut down

Gordon Hayward

It might be controversial to define the newly signed Charlotte Hornets veteran wing Gordon Hayward as a star in this day and age. But he could really be the go-to guy for the Hornets for the next few seasons, and help to mentor the rookie former third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, point guard LaMelo Ball.

Yet, Hayward was certainly a star for a good portion of his run with the Utah Jazz in the mid-2010’s. And it was up to Temple on a number of occasions to contend with Hayward defending him on the wing. Temple and Hayward have faced each other on 14 occasions during the regular season, and have yet to face each other in the playoffs.

On those 14 occasions, Hayward registered 16.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.1 blocks. And he shot 41.9 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Temple wasn’t great on the offensive end in his 14 tries in the regular season against Hayward’s teams, but he did average just over one steal per game.

Temple didn’t always draw the Hayward matchup when these two faced each other. But he did enough to warrant consideration and respect for how good he was in defending this versatile offensive standout. Hayward is a career 45 percent shooter from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc (and he’s only improved recently in his shooting efficiency), so the way Temple limited him was respectable.