Call & Times

Celts’ Hayward thanks fans

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BOSTON (AP) — Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics says he knows he will not play again this season, after needing surgery to repair a grotesque leg injury on opening night last month.

The announceme­nt, on Hayward's Facebook page , came as little surprise given the severity of the injury. Hayward wrote about several previously unrevealed aspects of the injury and the aftermath, including how four people — including Celtics coach Brad Stevens — were needed to carry him onto the plane that night in Cleveland, and how even former President Barack Obama has been among those sending well-wishes for his recovery.

"I honestly can't say enough about everyone's kindness," Hayward wrote.

Hayward is expected to hold a news conference at the Celtics' facility in Waltham, Massachuse­tts, on Thursday. He also has taped an interview that will appear Thursday on NBC's "Today."

Hayward was injured about 5 minutes into the opener at Cleveland, a shocking end to a season of great expectatio­ns. Hayward was one of the marquee prizes of free agency this past summer, leaving Utah and signing with Boston to chase an NBA title and reunite with Stevens, his college coach at Butler.

"I keep imagining what it's going to be like to step onto the floor at the Garden, and make my regular season debut as a Celtic," Hayward wrote.

"It's going to be a little delayed. But with each day of my rehab, I'll be that much closer to making it happen. I'm already dreaming about sharing that moment with everyone here in Boston."

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