Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward was a full participant in Tuesday's practice after experiencing soreness in his elbow during Sunday’s preseason win over the Charlotte Hornets at home.

Hayward wore a sleeve over his left elbow in practice. The Celtics swingman says he didn't undergo an MRI and that the pain is slowly decreasing:

“It's definitely sore today,” said Hayward, via NBC Sports Boston. “I’ve got the arm sleeve on, not just for looks. I think I just fell on it, couldn’t remember exactly when it happened. We took a look at the film, there was kind of one play, it kind of bruised up pretty badly. But it’ll be alright.”

Hayward said the elbow initially swelled but he did not seek an MRI noting, “it’s gotten better each day.”

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Gordon Hayward played 22 minutes against the Hornets. He finished with nine points, three rebounds and three assists. The Celtics won by a final score of 107-106.

Last season, Hayward averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from beyond the arc and 83.4 percent from the free-throw line. He didn’t have the year he thought he was going to have, but we have to remember Hayward was coming back from that gruesome ankle injury he suffered in 2017-18 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night.

The Celtics are looking forward to seeing which version of Hayward they’re going to get in 2019-20. Hayward will be two years removed from the injury this upcoming season, so he should be more explosive and comfortable on the court.