Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward left the NBA bubble after spraining his ankle during the seeding games.
Fortunately, the team didn't need his services against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2020 playoffs, as the Celtics easily swept the Sixers, who were playing without All-Star Ben Simmons.
While addressing reporters on Monday, Boston head coach Brad Stevens gave an update on Hayward and when he could possibly return to the Disney World bubble, revealing that it could be “soon.” However, that doesn't mean Hayward will be ready to go right away.
Gordon Hayward appeared in 52 games during the regular season for the Celtics. The former Utah Jazz star averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.0 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from beyond the arc and 85.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Since he signed with the Celtics in the summer of 2017, Hayward has unfortunately dealt with a lot of injuries. However, the good news is that this latest ailment won't require surgery, and it sounds like he could return to the lineup if Boston defeats the Toronto Raptors in the second round and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics currently have a 1-0 series lead.
Boston is a trendy pick to get to the NBA Finals out of the East. If Hayward can return and put up his usual 15-20 points a night once he gets his rhythm back, the Celtics could make a serious run at the NBA title and add banner No. 18 in franchise history.
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