Gordon Hayward set to overlook Celtics season after surgical procedure on horrific damage

Celtics ahead Gordon Hayward, who sustained a horrific injury in the NBA season opener, despatched a video message from his hospital mattress earlier than heading into surgical procedure on Wednesday night time, telling Boston followers: “It’s hurting me that I can’t be there.”

The gang on the TD Backyard for the Celtics’ recreation towards the Milwaukee Bucks cheered when Marcus Sensible directed followers’ consideration to the scoreboard, the place Hayward appeared sporting a hospital robe and sitting up in mattress. The world hushed to listen to the temporary message, then erupted in one other cheer when it was over.

“What’s up, everyone? Simply needed to say thanks to everybody who’s had me of their ideas and prayers,” Hayward stated within the 30-second message, which was additionally despatched out by the staff on Twitter.

“I’m going to be all proper,” Hayward stated. “It’s hurting me that I can’t be there for the house opener. I would like nothing greater than to be with my team-mates and stroll out on that flooring tonight. However I’ll be supporting you guys from right here, and wishing you one of the best of luck.”

Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, advised ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski he anticipates that his shopper will miss the remainder of the season. “We anticipate him to make a full restoration and return to his All-Star type,” Bartelstein stated.

After signing with Boston within the offseason as a free agent, Hayward was injured in the sixth minute of his first game for the Celtics, crumpling to the ground on Tuesday in Cleveland with a ugly ankle damage. Gamers on each groups reacted in horror on the website of Hayward’s leg bent unnaturally, however coach Brad Stevens stated he didn't see the damage stay and has prevented watching replays.

“Having recognized him so long as I’ve recognized him, it’s robust to see him undergo this,” stated Stevens, who was additionally Hayward’s school coach at Butler. “We’ll be sure that he is aware of that we’ve acquired our arms round him.”

Stevens stated that docs recognized Hayward with a dislocated left ankle and damaged tibia. After Wednesday’s recreation, which the Celtics misplaced 108-100 to fall to Zero-2, Stevens stated Hayward was headed into surgical procedure as the sport was tipping off.
“It’s undoubtedly been robust,” stated Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum. “We’re simply protecting Gordon in our prayers, hoping the whole lot is all proper.”

Followers lined up earlier than Wednesday night time’s recreation to signal a banner imploring Hayward to “come again stronger than ever”. Different followers held up hand-made indicators wishing him properly. Celtics ahead Daniel Theis wrote “GH20” on his shoe, and a good variety of Hayward’s No20 jerseys have been seen within the crowd, which started chanting his identify late within the first half.

After enjoying his first seven years with the Utah Jazz, Hayward signed a four-year, $128m contract this offseason to rejoin Stevens in Boston a part of a near-complete roster overhaul for the workforce that completed first within the Japanese Convention final season.

The staff additionally traded fan favourite Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland for fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving and shipped out common starters Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder. In all, simply 4 gamers on the roster completed final season with the workforce.

Taking Hayward’s minutes, Sensible scored 12 factors and had 9 rebounds on Tuesday night time. Sensible moved into the beginning line-up on Wednesday night time towards the Bucks. “He put a whole lot of effort into beginning his profession nicely in Boston,” Stevens stated of Hayward. “This can be a setback, however there’s going to be a full restoration.”