Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward is definitely making progress in his effort to get his body back to its 100 percent form. Hayward, who suffered a gruesome leg injury right in his very first game in Celtics uniform last season, is reportedly healthy enough to dunk off the same foot he grotesquely twisted in 2017.  Hayward was live streaming his hour of playing Fortnite with a friend on Twitch, and among the questions asked was has he dunked yet. Hayward said he dunked for the first time off his left foot earlier that day, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.

Gordon Hayward says he also went 1-on-1 for the first time today. Said it wasn't a typical 1-on-1, it was more like a drill, but he dunked for the first time off the left foot.

The 28-year-old Hayward is currently working out with Drew Hanlen, the famed NBA skills coach and also CEO of Pure Sweat Basketball, as he looks to get himself ready just in time for the 2018-19 NBA campaign.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Insider suggests Knicks could steal Celtics veteranMalik Brown ·
image thumbnail
Celtics legend Paul Pierce gets last laugh with Knicks callout after ECF lossOwen Crisafulli ·
image thumbnail
Clippers trade proposal lands Jrue Holiday from CelticsJedd Pagaduan ·
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·

For the meantime, the next step for Howard is to participate in 5-on-5 drills. Even before that happens, the Celtics must be ecstatic to know that Hayward is confident enough to rise for a dunk. It shows that he’s not only regaining his vertical, but also his mental fortitude as well.

Despite his progress, Hayward remains without a clear timetable for his return. The Celtics are understandably being cautious of Hayward. For one, they can afford to buy more time for Hayward’s recovery with guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown having proved that they can handle the wing spots effectively. Even without Hayward and guard Kyrie Irving in the last playoffs, the Celtics were able to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, so the expectations are going to be sky high for Boston once they get both stars back in the rotation.