Boston Celtics Clinch A Playoff Spot, Looking at a Postseason Without Gordon Hayward
The Boston Celtics are in the playoffs. They have clinched a playoff birth with their record at 46-20. With that, questions are swirling about whether small forward Gordon Hayward will be ready to go for the playoffs. In October he dislocated and fractured his tibia. But last week Hayward was making jump shots - a good sign that he will be ready for training camp next season.
According to yahoosports.com, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said, “I don’t believe that Gordon thinks he’s going to play … I don’t think so, no.”
There is no reason to bring Hayward back so soon. He is taking jump shots as part of his rehab and hasn’t practiced with the team, the next step in showing that Hayward is ready to play.
The Celtics could use him if he were 100%, but the fact is he is not. It would be a shame if the Celtics played him and Hayward got injured during a game. If that occurrs, he might be able to suit up at all next season. Resting him is the best decision for everyone.
The Celtics will make a title run without him. They have played well since his injury. Now they must focus on securing home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Right now they are 2 games behind Toronto for the #1 spot in the East.
The Celtics can’t worry about Hayward. They know he will continue progressing with the hope of playing next season. The talk of him coming back for a playoff run is nonsense. Hopefully now the media and fans can worry about a long postseason run ending in a championship.
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