Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward fractures ankle in season opener
The much awaited 2017-18 season quickly turned to despair when Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome lower leg injury in the opening minutes of the game.
Six minutes in to the season opener for the Boston Celtics at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gordon Hayward came down awkwardly on his leg and was taken back to the locker room on a stretcher.
While it seemed that he had fractured his leg, and it still could be part of the diagnosis, early looks from the Celtics and Cavaliers medical staff say it is a fractured ankle, which might allow him to come back for the playoffs if there is no ligament damage.
Expected recovery time is 3-6 months.
Gordon Hayward diagnosed with a fractured left ankle, according to #Celtics PR. No further information.
— Abby Chin (@tvabby) October 18, 2017
More details are to come. As to who will take his spot, Marcus Smart likely takes that role, leaving the back-up point guard role to Terry Rozier.
Gordon Hayward was of course being counted on to be one of the big three for Boston similar to the 2007-2008 season to compete for banner 18. That dream will have to be put on pause. However, this will allow the youngsters more minutes to compete and grow.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Jaylen Brown is already playing like a vet, while Jayson Tatum is still a little wet behind his ears. Gordon Hayward certainly could be helping with the lack of three point efficiency that the Celtics are already experiencing in the first game.
Hopefully that is just first game jitters, as the Celtics are shooting less than 20 percent on three point attempts as of half time. I cannot imagine what the half-time talk is going to sound like, but I wish I was a fly on the wall in that locker room.
Our “veterans” need to step up and make the new guys understand what it is to be a professional in this league, and move past the Gordon Hayward injury, as callous as that sounds. There is still a game to play.
On the plus side, not only is it possible that Hayward will be back, but Marcus Morris could make an appearance as well once he heals up.
Next: Boston Celtics: Predicting the primary game plan for the 2017-18 season
Best wishes Gordon Hayward and wishing all the best for a speedy recovery and your family!