Gordon Hayward recently joined Noa Dalzell's "You Got Boston" podcast to dive into the striking similarities between his own career-altering injury in 2017 and Jayson Tatum's recent Achilles tear. Hayward, who suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle during his first game with the Celtics, missed the entire 2017-18 season. Despite pushing for a late-season return, he made his comeback the following year, posting solid numbers with Boston before spending the majority of his remaining career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Reflecting on his experience, Hayward shared, “It’s tough. It’s really tough.”
Missing games was one of the hardest challenges he faced, especially after coming off an All-Star season. Watching the Celtics thrive without him, including an impressive winning streak, was bittersweet.
“I just wish that I could be out there,” he said, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system during such times.
Tatum faced a similar journey after tearing his Achilles 10 months ago. With an entire offseason to recover, he made his return earlier this month, though his current stats-19.7 PPG on 39.3% shooting-reflect the struggle of regaining peak form from his career averages of 23.5 PPG on 45.9% FG.
Both players reached the pinnacle of their careers at 26 before facing significant setbacks at 27. Their initial doubts about their basketball futures were compounded by the challenge of reintegrating into teams that had found success in their absence. The Celtics, led by young talents like Jaylen Brown and Tatum, made a deep playoff run in 2018 without Hayward and Kyrie Irving.
Hayward recalled, “J.T. was a rookie. When I was a rookie, I remember veterans going down, and you don’t really think about it until it’s you.” He expressed relief at Tatum's return and praised the Celtics' resilience, crediting coach Joe Mazzulla and players like Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White for their roles in maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Returning to the lineup in 2018, Hayward joined a star-studded roster that many expected to challenge for the NBA Finals. However, the team struggled to find cohesion as Hayward and Irving returned, leading to a challenging season with Hayward starting only 18 of 72 games. Brown, too, faced adjustments, moving to the bench for much of the season.
“They were ambitious, as we all were,” Hayward said of Brown and Tatum. The team had a mix of agendas as players sought to prove themselves.
Looking back, Hayward wished he had embraced a more supportive role to aid the team’s success. Despite the challenges, he cherished the growth and leadership he witnessed in Brown and Tatum, recalling meaningful conversations during road trips.
After the departure of Irving and Horford, Brown and Tatum continued to rise, taking on larger roles alongside newcomer Kemba Walker. Hayward found his form again in the 2019-20 season, helping the Celtics become championship contenders.
Unfortunately, another ankle injury during the playoffs limited his impact, and Boston fell to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Hayward then moved on to Charlotte.
Hayward had a front-row seat to Brown and Tatum’s development, impressed by Tatum’s shot-making and Brown’s physical prowess from the start. Their potential was evident, but their eventual achievements surpassed expectations. Hayward and Tatum developed a close bond, often discussing not just basketball but life during their travels.
Reflecting on his return game against Philadelphia, Hayward shared a poignant memory: “The fans were just so supportive of me, and probably similar to how Jayson felt when he was announced back in the starting lineup.” The overwhelming support from Boston fans marked a special moment in his career, as he overcame doubts about ever playing again. The journey back to the court was a testament to resilience, with the passionate Boston fanbase providing an unforgettable backdrop.