NBA: Hayward to have surgery but full recovery expected

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will undergo surgery after a gruesome left leg injury but is expected to make a full recovery, Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Wednesday.

Hayward was flown back to Boston and taken to New England Baptist Hospital for treatment after suffering the injury in Tuesday's 102-99 loss at Cleveland in the Celtics' season opener.

Doctors diagnosed Hayward on Wednesday with a dislocated left ankle and fractured left tibia.

Stevens visited Hayward on Wednesday and spoke with him about the difficult recovery and rehabilitation period awaiting him.

"He's feeling down," Stevens said. "Obviously there's a physical pain to it, but I think it's doubled by the emotional pain in that he put a lot of effort into trying to start his career out well in Boston."

Former Utah Jazz star Hayward signed a four-year deal with the Celtics in the off-season, expected to team with guard Kyrie Irving and big man Al Horford as an All-Star trio to make the Celtics title contenders.

But he lasted barely five minutes into the opener before making an awkward landing while attempting an alley-oop basket off a pass from Irving and his foot twisted at a horrific angle. Players from both teams were stunned as medical staff rushed onto the court to treat him.

"This is a setback," Stevens said. "But we're expecting a full recovery. We know there will be a lot of tough days ahead on that recovery, but at the same time, I think hopefully he'll improve day-to-day."

Stevens said he would not make an estimate on when Hayward might be able to return to the Celtics lineup until at least after he undergoes surgery, which is expected soon.

"We know we have a long way to go and we're a team that's going to be growing for a while," Stevens said. "But the exciting thing for our guys is they have the opportunity to step in and contribute."

Stevens hopes playing well for Hayward can become a motivating factor for a young squad.

"They do want to play well for Gordon. I think the biggest thing is they really care about Gordon," Stevens said. "He has made a big impact on them.

"Certainly you miss that and that camaraderie, but one of the tasks that we have now is to pick up steam for him." —Agence France-Presse