Thousands of people always pack into the Cleveland Cavaliers arena, especially on opening night. The tickets sold out months before the game; everyone was in their seats screaming as loud as they could, the music was playing loudly, and people were chanting “let’s go Cleveland” as everyone anticipated this must-watch game.

Then you hear a ear-splitting snap! All 6.7 million viewers watching the game on TNT were silenced in disbelief. Hayward’s gruesome injury had people looking away while crying, knowing that the injury was severe.

Coming into the league, Hayward was drafted as the 9th-overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, with a passion for the game of basketball. In his rookie season, he had a decent start despite being the 3rd small forward on the Utah Jazz depth chart. He averaged 5.4 points, 1.1 assist and 1.9 rebounds per game in his rookie year. The Utah Jazz coaching staff knew Hayward was going to have a bright future.

Hayward was named an All-Star for having a phenomenal season last year with the Utah Jazz. Averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 ast, he was Utah’s most valuable player.

He was recently acquired this past free agency through a 4 year, $127,829,970 contract. The 6’8” small forward was going to be a huge contribution to the Boston Celtics.

Coming into the 2017-2018 NBA season, the Celtics were a big threat in the league. Acquiring the four-time All-Star and NBA Championship winner Kyrie Irving, the team was going to be a strong contender for the title.

Senior at Platte County High School, Mac Rauber stated his opinion on who would win the Eastern Conference Finals, Rauber said “the Celtics, but now I think it’s an even battle between the Cavs and the Bucks who play a pretty strong role too.” Rauber had the Celtics winning the Eastern Conference Finals until Hayward’s injury.

Hayward has suffered numerous injuries in the past seasons. In just the last three seasons, he has suffered through 10 injuries, most of them being contusions and sprains. But the centerpiece of those 10 injuries is the recent one against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 17,  2017. Hayward fractured his left ankle trying to catch a pass, suffering a season-ending injury on opening night in his first regular season game with his new team, the Boston Celtics.

How much of an impact does Gordon Hayward being hurt have on the Boston Celtics? “A huge impact. Instead of having the number one seed, now they will probably get the two or the three in the east,” said Rauber.  He claims Hayward is a huge factor for the Boston Celtics. However, the lack of competition in the Eastern Conference may allow them to finish in the top three spots.

Rauber injured his knee and was forced to quit for part of his freshman and sophomore seasons. Hopefully, Hayward’s injury doesn’t result in the same fate.

After Hayward’s horrific injury, he does have a chance to comeback in the Playoffs.