We’re only a few weeks removed from Gordon Hayward suffering one of the most gruesome basketball injuries you’ll ever see against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the NBA’s opening night. Hayward was trying to catch a lob in the paint when he got sandwiched between LeBron James and Jae Crowder, resulting in an awkward landing that broke his ankle as soon as he hit the floor.
Less than 6 minutes into his 2017-18 season, Hayward suffered an injury that will keep him out for the entire year. It doesn’t get any more heartbreaking than that.
Hayward has been in remarkably good spirits since the injury, all things considered. It’s a testament to how respected he is around the league that so many players, fans, and reporters sent their well wishes to Hayward in the aftermath of the injury. And Hayward returned the favor by surprising Celtics fans with a video from the hospital on the TD Garden video board a day later.
Hayward released an in-depth blog post detailing his first-hand account of the injury earlier this week. It’s a harrowing tale, but you’ve got to view Hayward being comfortable talking about something like this, with this much detail, as a good sign. Whatever shock comes with seeing your ankle facing the wrong direction seems to be behind him, and that can only bode well for his long-term recovery.
Considering how well Hayward has handled this whole thing, you shouldn’t be shocked to find out that he’s already back at the Celtics practice facility working on his game.
This is a surprisingly cringe-inducing watch, as Hayward’s left ankle is exposed to those passes flying toward him. But he doesn’t seem very worried. What can you glean from this footage? Nothing of any significance, probably, but it’s nice to see him back on the court doing something.
And if his one-handed hook shot passes from a seated position are amazing next season, now you know why.
