Depression from broken leg worse than physical pain, Gordon Hayward says

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward appears to be on the fast track to a full recovery, as he shed his walking boot earlier this week after a gruesome NBA opening-night injury last October.

READ: Gordon Hayward suffers gruesome ankle injury in Celtics’ season-opener

Although the 27-year-old Butler University product’s health is improving each day, he is still far away from a possible return to the hardwood.

In a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Hayward gave an update on his status in responding to the mental hurdles he is currently facing.

“Which has been harder, the physical pain or the mental depression from the injury?” the host asked, to which he replied: “Definitely the depression.”

“It’s been painful, but it’s nothing like sitting around watching the team you were supposed to be playing with this year,” Hayward explained, as relayed by Complex Sports.

“I signed to play for the Boston Celtics this year now to only sit and watch the Boston Celtics this year. That part has been difficult and much more difficult to deal with than the pain.”

Before breaking his ankle just five minutes into the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward was a sough-after free agent, who opted to sign with the Celtics to a four-year $128 million contract.

Despite still not having an official timetable for his return, Hayward is adamant that he will return a much better player.

“I work out every day to try to increase my range of motion and increase my strength in my legs so that I can be back as fast as I can,” he said in the same interview. “Whether that’s this year or this summer or next year, I will just let that happen. But for sure, as a competitor, I’m just trying to come back faster than anyone has ever done it.” Khristian Ibarrola /ra

RELATED STORY:

LOOK: Injured Gordon Hayward shoots free throws from chair