Boston • Gordon Hayward’s just happy to make a little progress. And now, the thought of him making it back this season from a horrific leg injury in Boston’s season-opener isn’t as far fetched as it once seemed.
The former Utah Jazz star spoke to the media, moments before the Jazz took on the Boston Celtics on Friday night. In an intense, but short, availability, Hayward talked about free agency, his injury and having no regrets about his decision this past summer.
“It was a whirlwind experience,” Hayward said. “I don’t know if I could do it any faster than what I did. I went across the country three times, paying for my own private flight to get there as fast as I could.”
Hayward and the Celtics have previously stated he would be out for the season, when he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in a season-opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But Hayward was able to get the boot off his left foot this week. He’s a little heavier than normal, because he hasn’t been able to run. But he’s been in good spirits, especially since the rehabilitation process has gone a little faster than hoped.
“My mind is certainly open to that (playing this season),” Hayward said. “I’m trying to get back as fast as I can. It all depends on how I heal and taking it day by day, goal by goal. We’ll see what happens.”
More injuries
Just as the Jazz report has cleared up, it’s getting full again. Two minutes into Friday night’s first quarter, Utah center Rudy Gobert injured his left knee and limped heavily to the locker room. He didn’t return, and an ESPN report said an initial diagnosis is an MCL sprain. Following a Jazz victory over the Celtics, Gobert was being fitted for a brace in Utah’s locker room. He will receive an MRI on Saturday, but his knee is expected to be fine, structurally.
In the second quarter, Jazz forward Derrick Favors was hit with an elbow and had to receive six stitches above his eye. He passed concussion protocol, but will have to pass another one Saturday, if he is to play against the Cavaliers.
Favors was hurt trying to guard Jaylen Brown. Boston’s second-year small forward made a move to the basket and hit Favors with his elbow.
On a plane
With Gobert out for at least the short term and Favors’ status in doubt Saturday, the Jazz are expected to recall rookie center Tony Bradley from the Salt Lake Stars. Bradley will meet the team in Cleveland.
A return
Joe Johnson played for the first time in 22 games Friday night. He scored three points and grabbed three rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
