The Boston Celtics are either managing expectations or simply not entertaining the thought of a Gordon Hayward return before the end of the season.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Monday that, in his mind, Hayward won’t play before the end of the season, and he’s never even discussed the possibility with the injured star.
Brad Stevens, to me, on @dpshow, on Gordon Hayward: “My mindset is he’s not coming back. That’s the way we’ve approached it. Gordon and I have never had a conversation about him coming back.”
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) February 12, 2018
The Celtics have maintained all along that there are no plans to bring Hayward back before the start of next season. That leaves just enough wiggle room for them to change their mind, but ultimately downplays expectations and sets up the far more likely scenario.
