Despite the severity of Gordon Hayward's injury, there was a small bit of hope that he might be able to return this season.
It appears that won't happen.
Hayward underwent surgery Wednesday night and is "unlikely to return this season," his agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN.
"We expect him to make a full recovery and return to his All-Star form," Bartelstein told ESPN.
The Celtics' prized offseason acquisition suffered the terrifying ankle injury just five minutes into his Boston debut on Tuesday night. He was diagnosed with a dislocated left ankle and broken tibia.
After playing in Cleveland on Tuesday, the Celtics returned to Boston for their home opener on Wednesday against the Bucks. Prior to the game, a 30-second video message from Hayward to the fans was played in the arena.
"What's up, everybody? Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's had me in their thoughts and prayers," Hayward said. "I'm going to be all right. It's hurting me that I can't be there for the home opener. I want nothing more than to be with my teammates and walk out on that floor tonight. But I'll be supporting you guys from here, and wishing you the best of luck. Kill it tonight."
Sports
After surgery tonight, Boston's Gordon Hayward is unlikely to return this season, agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2017
Bartelstein tells ESPN on Hayward: "We expect him to make a full recovery and return to his All-Star form."— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2017
Gordon Hayward has a message for Celtics Nation. pic.twitter.com/H6RHeGgios— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 18, 2017