The Boston Celtics will lose much more over the next four weeks than score with Gordon Hayward from the lineup.
The veteran forward suffered a sprained right ankle only in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s gameoff win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The C’s announced on Tuesday that Hayward is expected to be sidelined with the injury in about a month.
Hayward averages 17.5 points per game in the regular season and is able to stretch the floor with consistent shots outside. But the influence that Hayward makes extends far beyond scoring points.
In an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub radio program “Toucher & Rich” on Wednesday morning, C’s president of basketball concert Danny Ainge explained how Hayward’s injury will affect the team in various ways.
“The Gordon injury is devastating for us,” Ainge said. “I’m not sure the average person understands how important he is – just because Jaylen (Brown) and Jayson (Tatum) really come into their own, Kemba’s (Walker) had his unbelievable moments this year. Gordon is a facilitator. He’s our most efficient offensive player, but he does not have the same kind of use that the other boys have, he is very self-sufficient, and yet he is able to take over games at times when we need it, when boys rest. has often been a leader of our banking group.
“It’s just crushing for him and it really hurts our team. I do not know how long he will be. I think we will know more in the next four or five days and see how the swelling responds. But I feel bad for Gordon. I know how hard he worked just to get himself back for this opportunity. “
In addition to being able to score 20-plus points, Hayward is also a valuable player for the Cs. He is able to be the primary ball dealer and run the offensive on the second unit. He can also serve in this role with the starting lineup, allowing star point guard Kemba Walker to play more of the ball. Hayward’s ability to defend shooters and small forwards also gives Boston defensive versatility.
The Celtics would not have too many problems to eliminate the 76ers in their first-round series without Hayward. The Sixers are without All-Star point guard Ben Simmons (knee surgery) and do not have the offensive fireworks to match the Cs. Hayward’s absence would feel much more in the second round and beyond, where Boston’s bench really needs to shine to make up for the 10-year veteran’s scoring and playing on a nightly basis.
