Gordon Hayward seems to be on a miraculous path to recovery. It’s certainly one of the fastest recoveries we have seen from such a severe injury. From embracing the Mamba Mentality to reaching small goals, it’s very possible that Hayward could be back on the floor for the Celtics this year.
The Injury
We all know and saw the gruesome leg/ankle injury Hayward suffered. Fortunately, there was no ligament damage and it was just a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle. There’s no doubt, though, that the injury seemed devastating and to be a season-ender. On top of the break, doctors were initially worried about cartilage damage as well. After surgery, Hayward was put in a walking boot, which would then became an ankle brace.
The Timeline & Recovery
It would seem that Hayward is recovering at a miraculous pace. For what many considered a season-ending injury, Hayward may be healthy enough to rejoin his team on the court this season. He still has miles to go in his recovery, but many would say that he’s already climbed a solid chunk of recovery mountain.
For an injury that occurred on opening night, Hayward is in a good position at the end of January. Let’s take a look at the milestones along the way. Hayward’s surgery was on October 18, 2017. Fast forward two months to December 15, and Hayward is out of the walking boot he was put in after surgery. Over a month later, he has not regressed back into the boot. In fact, he was featured in a video on his wife, Robin’s, Instagram knocking down three-pointers alone on a court.
A Predicted Return
With Hayward having made the trip to LA with the Celtics this week, it would seem a return could occur this season. Pair that with his taking set shots from behind the arc before the Clippers game, and Celtics fans have plenty to be optimistic about.
While rehabbing in Los Angeles, @gordonhayward gets shots up ahead of tonight’s @Celtics action @ESPNNBA. pic.twitter.com/TSKwes6N34
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2018
With everything going as well as it has, and trust me I’m knocking on wood, I think we do see Hayward on the court again this season. I said before that it could happen and that he would greatly help the Celtics down the stretch. Hayward himself has said that he’s open to a return should he be medically cleared.
There is plenty of optimism for the Celtics, their fans, and their offseason addition, Gordon Hayward. When he makes his comeback, I know the reception by the Boston faithful at TD Garden will be nothing short of incredible. Best of luck Gordon, and all the well wishes I can send. We’ll see you soon.