This year’s NBA free agency has the potential to get a bit more interesting. According to multiple reports, Boston Celtics‘ forward Gordon Hayward is thinking about rejecting his player-option for the 2020/21 season and entering the open market.

Hayward has struggled with injuries in recent years, so many people believed that he would jump on the opportunity to earn a $34.1 million salary next season with the Celtics. But the 30-year-old player obviously believes his past success might still net him a satisfying long-term deal.

During a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo dropped a surprising bit on Hayward, saying that the former All-Star “does want out” of his deal with Boston. According to Russillo, this scenario becomes even more likely if the player gets guarantees about a rich contract somewhere else.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe previously hinted at a similar scenario, saying that he “doesn’t think it’s a lock that Gordon Hayward is on the Celtics next year” during his recent podcast.

Gordon Hayward would certainly draw sizeable interests from around the NBA if he opts out, considering that this year’s free-agent class lacks in big names. However, it is unclear how much money the teams would be willing to spend on a player that played just 125 games in the past three seasons. Hayward also hasn’t been productive in a while, averaging just 13.9 points per game in Celtics’ jersey.

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Gordon Hayward could be heading home soon. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, there is interest within the Indiana Pacers organization to trade for the Boston Celtics’ forward this offseason.

Pacers’ interest in Hayward isn’t new, as a similar report surfaced back in June.

Hayward, who’s 30 years old, was born and raised in Indianapolis while also playing both high school and college basketball there. Having this in mind, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine him also being open to suiting up for Pacers.

Finally, it also might not be too hard to convince the Celtics to part with the player. Hayward struggled to make an impact in Boston after signing a four-year, $128 million contract with the franchise in 2017 and the change of scenery seems welcomed for both parties.

Hayward played 125 games for the Celtics in the past three seasons, averaging 13.9 points per game during that period.

The Indiana Pacers could put together several interesting packages if they decide to go for Gordon Hayward. The most appealing to Celtics would most definitely include talented Myles Turner, but in that case, Pacers would likely require additional assets to sweeten the deal.

The Celtics are also believed to have an interest in Victor Oladipo, who is a player that Pacers might be more willing to part with. Oladipo is set to become a free agent next summer, and Indiana might consider moving him after two sides failed to make progress in extension talks.

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The Boston Celtics won Game 1 of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, but got bad news on Tuesday after learning that one of their stars will miss the next four weeks thanks to an injury he picked up in the win.

Gordon Hayward, who was forced to exit the Celtics’ 109-101 win in the fourth quarter after getting tangled up with teammate Daniel Theis on a rebound, was diagnosed with a Grade III right ankle sprain.

This means that he will not be able to return for Boston until the Conference Finals at earliest.

In the short term, however, Hayward’s injury puts a sharp dent in the Celtics’ hopes to go deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs. While they hold a 1-0 lead over Philly, it will become harder than ever to get past their talented opposition in the first round without Hayward.

If they are able to advance, either the Toronto Raptors or the Brooklyn Nets would be waiting for them in the next round, where Boston would undoubtedly be hurt by missing Hayward’s 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

The 30-year-old star will now have to look to rehabilitate his injury in order to return as quickly as possible if his team is able to survive and advance without him.

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It is almost scary to think how strong the Boston Celtics will be in 2018-19. Celtics managed to win the top seed and get to the Eastern Conference finals last season without a max-type player in Gordon Hayward. Hayward went down with an ankle injury in a season opener last year and hasn’t played since. But now, the 28-year-old seems like he is ready to get back to his 20+ points a game version.

Although it was a long journey, Gordon Hayward put on his Celtics’ No.20 jersey and told reporters that he is fully fit once again. Another encouraging news is that he played 5-on-5 with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming training camp.

“I would say I’m basically 100 percent,” – said Hayward. “There are certain things that I think are going to take time — even if I was 100 percent healthy, I’m not 100 percent as far as basketball-wise, just because I haven’t played in a year. I’m trying to figure those things out. The last step for me as far as from a physical standpoint is a little explosion, that little last juice bounce that you get. So that’s going to take me the longest time. But like I said, for the most part, I feel very good.”

When asked about the timeline on his return to competitive basketball, Hayward said that he is ready to go now. He expects to take part in Celtics’ preseason games and to play without restrictions in the season opener.

Gordon Hayward spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz, where he developed from a back-up and a role player into an All-Star. After his contract with the Jazz expired following the 2016-17 season, Hayward decided to come to Boston and sign a four-year, $128 million contract. In his last full NBA season, Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Gordon Hayward putting on the No. 20 jersey again … pic.twitter.com/XBHbIo43Lz

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) September 13, 2018

The post Celtics’ Gordon Hayward Ready for a Comeback: “I’m Basically 100 Percent” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Although the Boston Celtics fans hoped that Gordon Hayward could end up returning faster than expected and play in the Eastern Conference playoffs, that won’t happen. Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens has definitely said that Hayward won’t play this season.

“He’s not playing this year. I don’t know what else to say,” – said Stevens.

Gordon Hayward broke his ankle in the NBA season opener against Cleveland Cavaliers and he was immediately ruled out for the season. Still, The Player’s Tribune video of Hayward practicing and looking well fueled the conversation about his possible return in this season.

“Sometimes when you’re in the midst of that long rehab, you don’t feel the progress of the day to day the way now we all might see a video or somebody that hasn’t seen him may seen a video and say, ‘Man, he really is getting better.’ But he’s a super long way away from even being on 1-on-0 workout where he’s cutting.” – Stevens added.

The road back with @GordonHayward.

Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/Rp4GT8zDkB

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) March 2, 2018

Both Stevens and Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge previously stated that Hayward is making progress, but that he is still unable to even travel with the team on away games.

Gordon Hayward was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the ninth overall pick in 2010 NBA Draft. After a mediocre rookie season in which he didn’t play much, he started getting more playing time in his second season in NBA and his performances improved. The 2016-17 season was his most impressive one since Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. After becoming an unrestricted agent in the 2017 offseason, he signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics.

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The Boston Celtics supposed to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this NBA season, having added two superstars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be this season, at least not for Hayward. He broke his ankle in the opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and probably won’t step on the NBA court this season. After a successful surgery, Hayward decided to describe the moment of the injury, the process of recovery and how he looks forward in a Facebook post titled “IN AN INSTANT”.

“I just remember sitting there, looking at my foot the wrong way, and it felt like an eternity.” – Hayward writes. “Dr. Rosneck, the Cavaliers doctor, braced me as he explained that they wanted to try and pop my ankle back into place. I held on, and the moment they did it, there was just a massive shot of pain, probably the most pain I’ve ever felt in my life.“

Hayward went on to describe how he was visited in the locker room after the injury by Isaiah Thomas, who had massive credit for getting Hayward to Boston. He also discovered that Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens was one of the people who carried him onto the plane.
In the post, Hayward reveals that there were certain concerns about his surgery, but at the end, it went better than expected. He used the opportunity to thank everyone who expressed their support and said he is now fully focused on getting back and finally playing in front of the home crowd.

“I keep imagining what it’s going to be like to step onto the floor at the Garden and make my regular season debut as a Celtic. It’s going to be a little delayed. But with each day of my rehab, I’ll be that much closer to making it happen. I’m already dreaming about sharing that moment with everyone here in Boston—a city that I’m still getting to know, but that I’ve connected with through all of this in ways beyond anything I could have imagined. Now, it’s all about getting back. Time to begin.“

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After Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics suffered a horrific injury in the Tuesday’s game vs. Cavs, another player was seriously injured on Wednesday. Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin landed awkwardly after a drive in the fourth quarter of the game vs. Pacers and crumbled on the court. He left the game with an injury, but no one was certain about its severity. Lin left the game with 18 points scored and 4 assists.

On Thursday, the Nets revealed that Lin has been diagnosed with a ruptured patella tendon and is expected to miss the 2017-18 season.

Jeremy Lin has been diagnosed with a ruptured patella tendon and is expected to miss the 2017-18 season

More Info » https://t.co/nOlUo28akL pic.twitter.com/zHPRJ7Y8nF

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 19, 2017

“Jeremy worked tremendously hard during the offseason and in training camp and was excited for the prospects of the team this season.” – said Nets general manager Sean Marks. “We feel awful that the injury will cost him the season, however, our entire organization will be there to support Jeremy in every way possible throughout his recovery. Jeremy remains an important part of this team and will continue to contribute in a leadership role.”

Jeremy Lin was selected to start at point guard for the Brooklyn Nets this season, although the team has acquired talented D’Angelo Russell, who plays the same position. The idea of the Nets was to start Lin at point guard this season and have Russell play shooting guard. With Lin out, Russell will likely move to his natural position, while another new addition to the team, Allen Crabbe, will take the shooting guard position.

After a breakthrough spell with the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin became something of a NBA journeyman. He finally settled with the Nets in 2016, signing a three-year contract, worth around $36 million. His first season with the team was spoiled by injuries, and he managed to play only 36 games. Lin averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals during that time.

The post Nets’ Jeremy Lin Suffered a Knee Injury and Will Probably Miss the 2017-18 Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Gordon Hayward suffered an injury on his debut for Boston Celtics, and will likely miss the rest of the season. In the first quarter of the game vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward landed awkwardly after a jump and twisted his ankle. Medical staff rushed to help Hayward, while the players looked shocked. Dwyane Wade was kneeling with his hands on his head, while Kyrie Irving buried his head into Marcus Smart’s chest.

The game ended with Cavaliers taking a 102-99 win. After the match, Boston Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens told the reporters that Hayward dislocated his ankle and fractured his tibia. Hayward was immediately transferred to Boston, where he was admitted to New England Baptist Hospital. Although there were reports that he will have a surgery on Wednesday, Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said to ESPN that they will “evaluate a course of action Wednesday after undergoing MRI and CT exams in the morning.“

“You hurt for him. He’s put in a lot of great work. And I thought he had his most comfortable week as far as feeling like he was going to play really well” – said Brad Stevens on Tuesday night. “But now we’ll hopefully get a full recovery, right? And so it’s a tough deal, but I guess that’s part of it, the risk of injury. I really feel for him.”

After becoming a free agent in the summer, Hayward attracted interest from numerous teams in the NBA. Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were considered the most likely candidates for Hayward’s signature alongside Utah Jazz, the team that drafted him. Hayward eventually decided for the Celtics, where he reunited with Brad Stevens, who coached him at Butler. Hayward signed a 4-year, contract with the Celtics, worth around $128 million.

The post Gordon Hayward Suffers a Horrific Injury in His Debut for the Boston Celtics appeared first on SportzBonanza.

This year’s NBA free agency has the potential to get a bit more interesting. According to multiple reports, Boston Celtics‘ forward Gordon Hayward is thinking about rejecting his player-option for the 2020/21 season and entering the open market.

Hayward has struggled with injuries in recent years, so many people believed that he would jump on the opportunity to earn a $34.1 million salary next season with the Celtics. But the 30-year-old player obviously believes his past success might still net him a satisfying long-term deal.

During a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo dropped a surprising bit on Hayward, saying that the former All-Star “does want out” of his deal with Boston. According to Russillo, this scenario becomes even more likely if the player gets guarantees about a rich contract somewhere else.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe previously hinted at a similar scenario, saying that he “doesn’t think it’s a lock that Gordon Hayward is on the Celtics next year” during his recent podcast.

Gordon Hayward would certainly draw sizeable interests from around the NBA if he opts out, considering that this year’s free-agent class lacks in big names. However, it is unclear how much money the teams would be willing to spend on a player that played just 125 games in the past three seasons. Hayward also hasn’t been productive in a while, averaging just 13.9 points per game in Celtics’ jersey.

The post Gordon Hayward Might Opt-Out of His Contract with Celtics appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Gordon Hayward could be heading home soon. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, there is interest within the Indiana Pacers organization to trade for the Boston Celtics’ forward this offseason.

Pacers’ interest in Hayward isn’t new, as a similar report surfaced back in June.

Hayward, who’s 30 years old, was born and raised in Indianapolis while also playing both high school and college basketball there. Having this in mind, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine him also being open to suiting up for Pacers.

Finally, it also might not be too hard to convince the Celtics to part with the player. Hayward struggled to make an impact in Boston after signing a four-year, $128 million contract with the franchise in 2017 and the change of scenery seems welcomed for both parties.

Hayward played 125 games for the Celtics in the past three seasons, averaging 13.9 points per game during that period.

The Indiana Pacers could put together several interesting packages if they decide to go for Gordon Hayward. The most appealing to Celtics would most definitely include talented Myles Turner, but in that case, Pacers would likely require additional assets to sweeten the deal.

The Celtics are also believed to have an interest in Victor Oladipo, who is a player that Pacers might be more willing to part with. Oladipo is set to become a free agent next summer, and Indiana might consider moving him after two sides failed to make progress in extension talks.

The post Pacers Have Interest in trading for Gordon Hayward appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Boston Celtics won Game 1 of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, but got bad news on Tuesday after learning that one of their stars will miss the next four weeks thanks to an injury he picked up in the win.

Gordon Hayward, who was forced to exit the Celtics’ 109-101 win in the fourth quarter after getting tangled up with teammate Daniel Theis on a rebound, was diagnosed with a Grade III right ankle sprain.

This means that he will not be able to return for Boston until the Conference Finals at earliest.

In the short term, however, Hayward’s injury puts a sharp dent in the Celtics’ hopes to go deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs. While they hold a 1-0 lead over Philly, it will become harder than ever to get past their talented opposition in the first round without Hayward.

If they are able to advance, either the Toronto Raptors or the Brooklyn Nets would be waiting for them in the next round, where Boston would undoubtedly be hurt by missing Hayward’s 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

The 30-year-old star will now have to look to rehabilitate his injury in order to return as quickly as possible if his team is able to survive and advance without him.

The post Celtics F Gordon Hayward Set to Miss 4 Weeks with Ankle Sprain appeared first on SportzBonanza.

It is almost scary to think how strong the Boston Celtics will be in 2018-19. Celtics managed to win the top seed and get to the Eastern Conference finals last season without a max-type player in Gordon Hayward. Hayward went down with an ankle injury in a season opener last year and hasn’t played since. But now, the 28-year-old seems like he is ready to get back to his 20+ points a game version.

Although it was a long journey, Gordon Hayward put on his Celtics’ No.20 jersey and told reporters that he is fully fit once again. Another encouraging news is that he played 5-on-5 with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming training camp.

“I would say I’m basically 100 percent,” – said Hayward. “There are certain things that I think are going to take time — even if I was 100 percent healthy, I’m not 100 percent as far as basketball-wise, just because I haven’t played in a year. I’m trying to figure those things out. The last step for me as far as from a physical standpoint is a little explosion, that little last juice bounce that you get. So that’s going to take me the longest time. But like I said, for the most part, I feel very good.”

When asked about the timeline on his return to competitive basketball, Hayward said that he is ready to go now. He expects to take part in Celtics’ preseason games and to play without restrictions in the season opener.

Gordon Hayward spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz, where he developed from a back-up and a role player into an All-Star. After his contract with the Jazz expired following the 2016-17 season, Hayward decided to come to Boston and sign a four-year, $128 million contract. In his last full NBA season, Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Gordon Hayward putting on the No. 20 jersey again … pic.twitter.com/XBHbIo43Lz

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) September 13, 2018

The post Celtics’ Gordon Hayward Ready for a Comeback: “I’m Basically 100 Percent” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Although the Boston Celtics fans hoped that Gordon Hayward could end up returning faster than expected and play in the Eastern Conference playoffs, that won’t happen. Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens has definitely said that Hayward won’t play this season.

“He’s not playing this year. I don’t know what else to say,” – said Stevens.

Gordon Hayward broke his ankle in the NBA season opener against Cleveland Cavaliers and he was immediately ruled out for the season. Still, The Player’s Tribune video of Hayward practicing and looking well fueled the conversation about his possible return in this season.

“Sometimes when you’re in the midst of that long rehab, you don’t feel the progress of the day to day the way now we all might see a video or somebody that hasn’t seen him may seen a video and say, ‘Man, he really is getting better.’ But he’s a super long way away from even being on 1-on-0 workout where he’s cutting.” – Stevens added.

The road back with @GordonHayward.

Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/Rp4GT8zDkB

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) March 2, 2018

Both Stevens and Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge previously stated that Hayward is making progress, but that he is still unable to even travel with the team on away games.

Gordon Hayward was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the ninth overall pick in 2010 NBA Draft. After a mediocre rookie season in which he didn’t play much, he started getting more playing time in his second season in NBA and his performances improved. The 2016-17 season was his most impressive one since Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. After becoming an unrestricted agent in the 2017 offseason, he signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics.

The post Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward Won’t Play This Season Says Coach Brad Stevens appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Boston Celtics supposed to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this NBA season, having added two superstars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be this season, at least not for Hayward. He broke his ankle in the opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and probably won’t step on the NBA court this season. After a successful surgery, Hayward decided to describe the moment of the injury, the process of recovery and how he looks forward in a Facebook post titled “IN AN INSTANT”.

“I just remember sitting there, looking at my foot the wrong way, and it felt like an eternity.” – Hayward writes. “Dr. Rosneck, the Cavaliers doctor, braced me as he explained that they wanted to try and pop my ankle back into place. I held on, and the moment they did it, there was just a massive shot of pain, probably the most pain I’ve ever felt in my life.“

Hayward went on to describe how he was visited in the locker room after the injury by Isaiah Thomas, who had massive credit for getting Hayward to Boston. He also discovered that Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens was one of the people who carried him onto the plane.
In the post, Hayward reveals that there were certain concerns about his surgery, but at the end, it went better than expected. He used the opportunity to thank everyone who expressed their support and said he is now fully focused on getting back and finally playing in front of the home crowd.

“I keep imagining what it’s going to be like to step onto the floor at the Garden and make my regular season debut as a Celtic. It’s going to be a little delayed. But with each day of my rehab, I’ll be that much closer to making it happen. I’m already dreaming about sharing that moment with everyone here in Boston—a city that I’m still getting to know, but that I’ve connected with through all of this in ways beyond anything I could have imagined. Now, it’s all about getting back. Time to begin.“

The post Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward Speaks Out After Season-Ending Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics suffered a horrific injury in the Tuesday’s game vs. Cavs, another player was seriously injured on Wednesday. Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin landed awkwardly after a drive in the fourth quarter of the game vs. Pacers and crumbled on the court. He left the game with an injury, but no one was certain about its severity. Lin left the game with 18 points scored and 4 assists.

On Thursday, the Nets revealed that Lin has been diagnosed with a ruptured patella tendon and is expected to miss the 2017-18 season.

Jeremy Lin has been diagnosed with a ruptured patella tendon and is expected to miss the 2017-18 season

More Info » https://t.co/nOlUo28akL pic.twitter.com/zHPRJ7Y8nF

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 19, 2017

“Jeremy worked tremendously hard during the offseason and in training camp and was excited for the prospects of the team this season.” – said Nets general manager Sean Marks. “We feel awful that the injury will cost him the season, however, our entire organization will be there to support Jeremy in every way possible throughout his recovery. Jeremy remains an important part of this team and will continue to contribute in a leadership role.”

Jeremy Lin was selected to start at point guard for the Brooklyn Nets this season, although the team has acquired talented D’Angelo Russell, who plays the same position. The idea of the Nets was to start Lin at point guard this season and have Russell play shooting guard. With Lin out, Russell will likely move to his natural position, while another new addition to the team, Allen Crabbe, will take the shooting guard position.

After a breakthrough spell with the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin became something of a NBA journeyman. He finally settled with the Nets in 2016, signing a three-year contract, worth around $36 million. His first season with the team was spoiled by injuries, and he managed to play only 36 games. Lin averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals during that time.

The post Nets’ Jeremy Lin Suffered a Knee Injury and Will Probably Miss the 2017-18 Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Gordon Hayward suffered an injury on his debut for Boston Celtics, and will likely miss the rest of the season. In the first quarter of the game vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward landed awkwardly after a jump and twisted his ankle. Medical staff rushed to help Hayward, while the players looked shocked. Dwyane Wade was kneeling with his hands on his head, while Kyrie Irving buried his head into Marcus Smart’s chest.

The game ended with Cavaliers taking a 102-99 win. After the match, Boston Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens told the reporters that Hayward dislocated his ankle and fractured his tibia. Hayward was immediately transferred to Boston, where he was admitted to New England Baptist Hospital. Although there were reports that he will have a surgery on Wednesday, Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said to ESPN that they will “evaluate a course of action Wednesday after undergoing MRI and CT exams in the morning.“

“You hurt for him. He’s put in a lot of great work. And I thought he had his most comfortable week as far as feeling like he was going to play really well” – said Brad Stevens on Tuesday night. “But now we’ll hopefully get a full recovery, right? And so it’s a tough deal, but I guess that’s part of it, the risk of injury. I really feel for him.”

After becoming a free agent in the summer, Hayward attracted interest from numerous teams in the NBA. Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were considered the most likely candidates for Hayward’s signature alongside Utah Jazz, the team that drafted him. Hayward eventually decided for the Celtics, where he reunited with Brad Stevens, who coached him at Butler. Hayward signed a 4-year, contract with the Celtics, worth around $128 million.

The post Gordon Hayward Suffers a Horrific Injury in His Debut for the Boston Celtics appeared first on SportzBonanza.