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Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has teased the prospect of his return for some time now. The most recent example is the video of him taking shots prior to the Celtics' matchup with the L.A. Clippers on Wednesday night.
As a result, fans have started to speculate that their coveted free agent acquisition could make his debut at some point in the 2017-18 NBA season. Unfortunately, head coach Brad Stevens feels Hayward's original diagnosis of a season-ending ankle injury will remain as such, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg
“He makes a lot of shots standing still. I mean, a lot. Like, he’s a heck of a standstill shooter now. And he’s really good in a chair, too. But nothing new. We don’t anticipate him being back this season.”
Hayward turned heads back in November when he was hitting shots from everywhere on the court while sitting down. In the most recent video, the Celtics star was on his feet the whole time albeit without much mobility.
That said, Stevens is not going to get his hopes up for Hayward's potential return during the regular season. However, he did not specify whether that includes the playoffs as well.
The Celtics have managed to remain atop the Eastern Conference despite their recent skid. If Boston is to have any hope clinching the East this season, they will need all the firepower they can get. Needless to say, the adjustment period for Hayward's potential return would best be served if Boston can clinch the No. 1 seed.
