I am shock(Gordon injury silver lining)

[Vermont Green]

I find it hard to conceive that Hayward will be a factor this year, even in the playoffs.  He has to get fully healed, get full strength back in his leg, get his timing and touch back, and then learn how to play with a new team that he never really played with, during a time of the season when they hardly practice.

He may play this year, that would not be so much of a surprise, but I can't believe we will see his full impact until next season.  I guess I am just not getting my hopes up.  I can see him helping the team this season, he will essentially be a nice pick up at some point, but not at his full ability.

[Tr1boy]

I find it hard to conceive that Hayward will be a factor this year, even in the playoffs.  He has to get fully healed, get full strength back in his leg, get his timing and touch back, and then learn how to play with a new team that he never really played with, during a time of the season when they hardly practice.

He may play this year, that would not be so much of a surprise, but I can't believe we will see his full impact until next season.  I guess I am just not getting my hopes up.  I can see him helping the team this season, he will essentially be a nice pick up at some point, but not at his full ability.

Likely he wont be back...his injury plus intensity nature of 2nd half dont jive

You can be sure he is itching to play right now

[kozlodoev]

It's pretty cool, except for the part about us having dramatically lower chances to win a championship this year.

Not if Gordon comes back on March before the playoffs, which is certainly a possibility

It isn't happening. People should get off that horse. The team requested and was granted a Disabled Player Exception, which mean the player is out for the year, no ifs and buts.

[Joyride]

It's pretty cool, except for the part about us having dramatically lower chances to win a championship this year.

Not if Gordon comes back on March before the playoffs, which is certainly a possibility

It isn't happening. People should get off that horse. The team requested and was granted a Disabled Player Exception, which mean the player is out for the year, no ifs and buts.

That is so not true.  League rules have been discussed here ad nauseum.

[vjcsmoke]

Gordon can come back.  The exception doesn't mean he can't play again this year.

But Gordon has a long way to go.  Let's have this discussion again in a few months when he is actually cleared by a doctor to return to practices.

Modern medicine is pretty darn good.  And Gordon seems the kind to will himself back.

As for the kids, they have been amazing.  Jaylen Brown, Tatum, and Rozier are great.

Smart still can't shoot, but he has shown more offensive game because now he can drive and post with some quickness he didn't have before he lost the weight. 

[Greyman]

The timing would be all wrong for Hayward to return this season. If he could possibly move at the level required of an NBA player he would still be so far behind the current form of players that his impact would be negligible.

How much more does it terrify teams that the Celtics are doing it without him?

A healthy Hayward will make this team so much more effective, I have no problems with waiting until next season when we know he will be properly recovered.

[Bobshot]

Tough situation for Hayward. He's out for the year without establishing a role for himself. Tatum and Brown are getting their shot. If the Celtics are successful this year with those two, you wonder where that leaves Hayward. He's making a ton of money. They'll have to retool again?

[GreenFaith1819]

Hayward's our Swiss Army knife....our Glue.

I love what Triple 007 is giving us but they cannot fill his shoes. They are trying and it makes me proud to see what they are giving us, though.

I saw him as being our most complete player. Still do.