CLEVELAND, Ohio, October 16, 2017 (UPI) –New Boston Celtics star forward Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome, left ankle or leg injury when he was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him in the first quarter of the NBA’s season opener against Cleveland on Tuesday.
Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics after leaving the Utah Jazz, was trying to convert a lob pass from Kyrie Irving when he and James ran into each other.
Hayward immediately called for help while his ankle was apparently dislodged.
The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic teammate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward’s leg.
Hayward was carried off the court on a stretcher and examined by doctors for both teams. The decision was ultimately made to return him to Boston where he’ll undergo further evaluation.
