4:47 PM ET
Tim BontempsESPN
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.– Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward stated he knew something was wrong the moment he suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of Bostons success over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round series.
” I knew immediately,” Hayward said Thursday in his very first interview considering that the injury. “I heard it, I felt it, and I understood it wasnt just your casual rolled ankle.
” It was inflamed by the time I was leaving the court, so I understood it was absolutely even worse than regular.”
1 RelatedThe injury came at a bad time for the Celtics, who entered the playoffs with high expectations for a deep playoff run thanks to a roster that was completely healthy.
That is no longer the case now that Hayward, who averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists during the routine season while shooting 50% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point variety, is out for at least four weeks. That will keep him on the sideline through a minimum of a possible second-round face-off with the safeguarding champion Toronto Raptors– and without any warranty hell be prepared to go later on in the playoffs, if Boston has the ability to make it to the Eastern Conference finals and beyond without him.
” As far as timeline, its kind of up in the air,” Hayward stated. Its hard to say.
What Hayward and the Celtics do understand is that he wont be back whenever soon. Hayward said he is looking at the possibility of setting up the upcoming birth of his 4th kid during the time he is out since of that.
The Celtics had actually been prepared for Hayward to leave the group for a few days at some time in September to be with his other half, Robyn, for the birth.
” I think its 2 different things,” Hayward said, describing his injury and the approaching family addition, “but its something Im taking an appearance at. Its just very regrettable of the timing of the entire offer, so I think Im simply attempting to take it day by day, and were taking a look at scheduling for the baby and all that stuff, so its taking it day by day.”
David Sherman/NBAE by means of Getty ImagesHaywards time with the Celtics has been defined by injuries. After signing a four-year max contract in 2017, he suffered a gruesome left leg and ankle injury 6 minutes into his first game with the group that October.
This season, Hayward has actually been excellent for the Celtics. But he got his left hand caught in LaMarcus Aldridges jersey and fractured a bone, triggering him to miss out on a month. He likewise missed time in December with nerve discomfort in his left foot– the very same one he hurt two years previously.
While Hayward, 30, did manage to joke and state he might utilize some “Disney magic” to heal faster when asked if there were benefits to rehabbing inside the bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort, he confessed the mental strain of rehab is a bigger challenge than the physical act of attempting to return on the court.
” Its difficult,” he said when asked about the string of injuries. Like I said, I just attempt to take it day by day, honestly, and simply trying to assault rehabilitation.
Theres a lot of time when you are alone and a lot of time when you are contemplating, a lot of time to think. I think having good individuals around you is really essential, its extremely essential, and I absolutely have that.”
It was frustrating to have to view his colleagues play in Game 2 without him, Hayward stated the method Bostons bench gamers stepped up and helped the Celtics blow out the Sixers and take a 2-0 series lead did take some of the sting out of it.
” I suggest, delighted that we played well,” Hayward stated. “The great thing about our team is we have a lot of skill. A great deal of people that can get the slack, so thats absolutely a plus. Im pleased to see us playing well. I think we were playing our best basketball heading into this, so hopefully that we can continue that.”
” As far as timeline, its kind of up in the air,” Hayward stated. This season, Hayward has been terrific for the Celtics.” Its tough,” he stated when asked about the string of injuries. Like I stated, I simply try to take it day by day, truthfully, and simply trying to attack rehabilitation.” I indicate, happy that we played well,” Hayward stated.
