Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward suffered a brutal leg injury in his debut with the team on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and players throughout the league have reached out to him to offer words of encouragement.
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Kobe Bryant posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to Hayward where he said it will be a long journey, but it will be one that will give him new perspective.
Related: LeBron James showed he's all class after Gordon Hayward's horrific ankle injury
"Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it's all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you. Time to move on and focus on doing everything in your power to prepare for surgery, ask all the questions to be sure you understand fully the procedure so that you may visualize it in your subconscious while being operated on and better the chance of it's success. Then focus on the recovery process day by day by day. It's a long journey but if you focus on the mini milestones along the way you will find beauty in the struggle of doing simple things that prior to this injury were taken for granted. This will also mean that when you return you will have a new perspective. You will be so appreciative of being able to stand, walk, run that you will train harder than you ever have. You see the belief within you grow with each mini milestone and you will come back a better player for it. Best of luck to you on this journey my brother #mambamentality always."
The timetable is unclear on when Hayward will be able to return, but it was a devastating blow to both him and the Celtics.
Hayward and Kyrie Irving were expected to help the Celtics make the NBA Finals, but the franchise might have to put those plans on hold for a year while Hayward recovers.
