Boston gave no timetable for Hayward’s return after a ghastly ankle injury cut his Celtics debut short.
After a gruesome left leg injury left Gordon Hayward with a dislocated ankle and a fractured tibia, the Boston Celtics announced their All-Star forward will undergo surgery on Wednesday evening in Boston.
Head coach Brad Stevens did not provide a timeline and would not clarify if Hayward’s injury was season-ending, but he did say the Celtics are “expecting a full recovery.” More information will be available once surgery if finished.
Hayward collided with LeBron James in mid-air while chasing after a lob pass less than six minutes into Boston’s opening night game against the Cavaliers on Tuesday. The result was an injury reminiscent of only two in recent memory: Paul George’s broken leg during a Team USA scrimmage, and ex-Louisville guard Kevin Ware’s open shin fracture in March of 2013.
No, we will not show the video.
Hayward received a standing ovation when he was helped into the locker room, and players league-wide sent their prayers, respects and condolences to the star who left the Utah Jazz for Boston this summer. Stevens thanked the Cavaliers for their “top-notch” response in helping Hayward after his injury.
We wish Gordon Hayward a speedy and complete recovery.