The Boston Celtics open the 2018-19 NBA regular-season Tuesday at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, and all eyes will be on small forward Gordon Hayward.
The last time we saw Hayward play in a meaningful game, the All-Star swingman suffered a gruesome left ankle injury. That was on opening night last season in Cleveland when Hayward fractured his left ankle versus the Cavs on national television.
Speaking to reporters Monday after practice, Hayward admitted he's anxious and will feel some butterflies before tipoff.
“Definitely a little anxious,” Hayward said, via Chris Grenham of Celtics Blog. “Like I said, just a little bit nervous. I think that's natural, though. Once you get out there, get the blood flowing, run up and down the court a few times, that'll go away. Just looking forward to being out there. It's a big step for me.”
After spending the first seven years of his pro career with the Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $127.8 million free agent deal with the Celtics in the summer of 2017, reuniting him with his college coach, Brad Stevens.
Boston went to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018 and was a game away from reaching the NBA Finals. They did all that without the services of Kyrie Irving and Hayward, so expect the Celtics to be even more dangerous with its two stars back for this season.
Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are expected to start alongside Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford.
Follow Us
Subscribe