Less than six minutes into the 2017-18 NBA season, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome leg injury. MRI scans taken later revealed a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia. He was ruled out for the remainder of that season.
Some players are never the same after a serious injury, but Hayward worked hard to recover. This past October, he played in his first game since the ankle injury, scoring 10 points and five rebounds in 25 minutes of action.
Hayward is still trying to regain his old form, and he admits there were times earlier this season when he looked really slow on the court.
The first time Gordon Hayward settled into an armchair to watch early film of his 2018-19 season, he was stunned. Who was that guy moving as though he were knee-deep in a vat of molasses?
“I was thinking, ‘Wow, am I really that slow out there?'” Hayward admitted. “I think it's hard in general to watch yourself on film, but obviously, this was on another level.”
Being honest with yourself is one of the biggest keys to success. Clearly, Hayward isn't afraid to call himself out.
The former Butler Bulldog has made 58 appearances with the Celtics this season (17 starts), racking up averages of 10.7 points on 43.2 percent shooting from the field (32.8 percent from beyond the arc), 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and just under one steal (0.9) in 25.8 minutes per outing.
Hayward and the Celtics (38-26 and third in the Atlantic Division) will be back in action on Tuesday night, when they'll face the Golden State Warriors inside Oracle Arena. Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with TNT having live broadcast coverage.
Follow Us
Subscribe