It’s not certain until he gives his personal go-ahead, but it sounds very much like Gordon Hayward will be suiting up for his first game in over a month — and after the Boston Celtics having dropped two straight games to their East Finals opponent, it couldn’t happen at a better moment.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens confirmed the plan was to prepare as if he were playing, with the Butler product having the final call based on how he’s feeling.
The Celtics coach was guardedly optimistic about what Hayward can bring to the game, even in his first game back from such a long absence.
Woj: ‘significant optimism’ Gordon Hayward ‘will make a return’ vs Heat https://t.co/4JCw884Mza
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 19, 2020
“He’s a great passer, can score the ball, he can switch all the different positions,” explained Stevens, “so, it gives us a lot of defensive flexibility there.”
“He just gives us a lot. And I think that he’s always been a guy that provides a great sense of stability … he’s coming back from a four week break, four-and-a-half week break so we don’t expect him to be a world beater, but I think his presence helps us.”
And while no line in the sand has been designated, it seems Hayward will be closely monitored to ensure he doesn’t over-stress the ankle in its first game back.
KG wants Hayward back vs Heat, but unsure of his long-term fit with Cs https://t.co/prlC4PzJYP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 18, 2020
The Indiana native will come off the bench — presuming he feels up to playing — and will be under a “minutes monitoring” regime, though Stevens did not offer much in the way of details on what that entails.
With a little luck, it entails a Game 3 win if nothing else — and perhaps a new light on this series for Boston with it.
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