Gordon Hayward appears in public walking without his walking boot
Good news, Boston Celtics fans.
Gordon Hayward is out and about without his walking boot. And there’s video to prove it.
Look who's out of the boot pic.twitter.com/3RN5EOOJ0c
— Celtics on NBCSB (@NBCSCeltics) December 13, 2017
The Celtics forward suffered a gruesome leg injury on opening night that resulted in a broken tibia and dislocated ankle five minutes into his career in Boston. No timeline was given for his return, but the general assumption has been that his season is over.
Now, two months later, he’s dropped his walking boot. Of course, that is by no means any basis for a medical prognosis, but the sight of a smiling Hayward walking without crutches and just a slight limp is encouraging.
Hayward spoke with ESPN’s Chris Forsberg and told him there’s a chance he’s not done with the boot, but that he does feel good.
Celtics forward Gordon Hayward did indeed get out of his waking boot today. No guarantee he stays out, depending on how his foot reacts, but he’s hopeful he’s done with it. Said Hayward: “Today has been awesome without the boot.”
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) December 13, 2017
Celtics president Danny Ainge told 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston two weeks ago that Hayward’s rehab was going well and that he was getting in multiple daily workouts.
“His therapy is going great,” Ainge said. “He’s right on schedule. He’s doing sometimes two workouts a day and trying to get stronger. The next phases are just getting out of the boot completely. But I still think that’s a couple of weeks away from being permanently out of the boot.”
Hayward losing his boot on Wednesday fits in with Ainge’s timeline, but Ainge did not give a prediction for a return to the court in that interview.
The Celtics have gotten off to a great start without Hayward and sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 23-6 record. Kyrie Irving has thrived as the centerpiece in Boston, while young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have exceeded early expectations.
Meanwhile, LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers have been red-hot since a slow start and appear poised for what looks like a thrilling two-team race atop the Eastern Conference.
Any chance that Hayward returns this season makes the race in the East that much more intriguing.
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