‘I’m excited about the year’: Gordon Hayward discussed injuries, Kyrie Irving, and the upcoming season
The Celtics small forward spoke at a community event on Tuesday.
Gordon Hayward is healthy and ready for a new season.
The Celtics small forward spoke on Tuesday during the team’s Arbella Home Makeover community event and discussed his health, the departure of Kyrie Irving and the upcoming season via the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn:
Gordon Hayward on his rehab, losing Kyrie Irving #Celtics pic.twitter.com/HTBdYr7MhI
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) August 20, 2019
Hayward suffered a neck strain, concussion, and ankle injury last season. However, he is currently “back with no restrictions” after going through treatment and training this summer.
“That’s felt really nice – being able to train exactly how I’m used to training…not having to worry about surgery or anything too.”
In addition to recovering from his injuries, Hayward is also trying to move forward from last season. When asked about the departure of former teammate Kyrie Irving, Hayward admitted that, “the most interesting part of the [NBA] is the drama that happens every offseason.” However, he did say that Irving’s presence will be missed:
“We’re going to miss him, and his abilities and everything. We wish him the best of luck as he goes to Brooklyn.”
With that, he had nothing but praise for his newest point guard, Kemba Walker.
“Leadership, [he is] a game changer with his quickness…He’s able to find seams that a lot of guys can’t with his change of speed [and] his scoring ability too.”
Overall, Hayward is looking forward to the team’s fresh start.
“I think we as a team are excited about who we have coming in,” he said. “[We] are excited to welcome Kemba [Walker], Enes [Kanter] and Vincent [Portier], and all the other guys that are new for us. I’ve seen the rookies around too… I’m really impressed with their work ethic. I’m excited about the year.”
