Gordon Hayward only played five minutes for the Boston Celtics before a brutal injury not only took him out of the game, but it potentially derailed his season as well.
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Hayward, who's an eighth-year pro and former first-round pick, joined Boston in free agency this offseason and was supposed to play a major role for the Celtics. Unfortunately, that role was put in jeopardy after one of the nastiest falls and injuries that you'll ever see in sports. According to Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge, though, it's possible the 6-foot-8, 226 pound small forward makes a comeback this season.
Here's what Ainge said on SiriusXM NBA Radio, as passed on by 247Sports:
"I'm not sure. We're not putting any pressure, we want to see what happens. I think he's determined to come back better than ever. He'll need a long time on the court & in practices to see when he comes back."
.@celtics President of Basketball Operations and 3-time @NBA champion, @danielrainge joined @TermineRadio and @Jumpshot8 discussing the factors for when @gordonhayward will return to game action. #NBAToday pic.twitter.com/19vFskHflp
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 19, 2017
If Hayward does make it back this season it would be a true testament to his ability to heal, as well as a testament to his grit and a person and player.
The Celtics paid a pretty penny for his services, offering him a four-year, nearly $128 million contract, all of which is guaranteed, so it's good to see him fighting through this rehab and doing what he can to help Boston on the floor this season. A lesser player may choose to pack it in, collect the check and fight another day next season.
Hayward spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz, averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
