The Boston Celtics may be getting Gordon Hayward back a bit sooner than expected. The 29-year-old forward has been out since fracturing his hand on Nov. 9, and could have missed up to six weeks.
Gordon Hayward said he’s feeling great and wouldn’t count out a return tomorrow. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/8IamcftXj2
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) December 8, 2019
Hayward returned to practice earlier in the week, and told reporters on Sunday that playing in Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers was “a possibility” depending on how his hand feels during shootaround.
He also told reporters that he has been solely focused on getting healthy since undergoing surgery on Nov. 11, and has let the exact day of his return sort itself out.
Hayward claims that the bone in his hand has fully healed and is now stronger than his right, although he still has to play through some pain.
“Motion and strength is going to take a little while to get back,” Hayward told ESPN. “It’s whether or not you can play through that and still be effective. That’s kind of what we’re determining, but the bone is healed.”
Hayward was averaging 18.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through the first eight games of the season before his injury. The Celtics have surely missed his presence, although they have been able to hold it down for the most part as they currently have the second seed in the East with a 16-5 record.
