As Gordon Hayward continues his long recovery from the devastating injury he suffered during opening night of this season, he is finding ways to still play basketball even if it’s not on the court.
With Hayward's timetable for a return still a few months away, the Boston Celtics forward is keeping himself busy playing video games instead. He admitted it recently, via Tom Haberstroh of Bleacher Report, and said that it gets his mind off his injury. Gordon Hayward also added that it’s the closest he can get into competing at this point, especially not being cleared to re-join his team just yet.
“Since I'm not allowed to compete right now with the Celtics, video games is where I can get my competition in,” Hayward said.
“It helps you turn your mind off from constantly thinking about the injury.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge then shared that the team is looking to incorporate the use of virtual reality to help Hayward recover quickly and even benefit his game.
“Virtual-reality stuff,” Ainge says. “We're trying to figure out a way to do some video games that can actually be of benefit to his basketball play.”
It may not be common practice for players recovering from injuries, but if it eases his mind and helps in the mental aspect of it, the Celtics are willing to give it a try. Gordon Hayward revealed last month that the psychological challenges that stemmed from the injury is the hardest thing to overcome, and it’s where the video games come in and play a part.
While he was initially thought of to likely missing the remainder of the season, Hayward has so far been ahead of schedule and does not have a walking boot anymore. If it’s any sign of what’s in store for him in the coming months, the Celtics star could beat the odds and make a surprise return for Boston later this season.
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