Gordon Hayward has hard cast removed, is already helping out with scouting reports

Gordon Hayward is a mere two weeks removed from surgery on his left ankle, but Brad Stevens gave an encouraging update on the All-Star forward in his weekly appearance with Zolak and Bertrand on 98.5 the Sports Hub on Wednesday.

"He’s doing pretty well. The last couple of days, he’s been moving in a great direction," Stevens said. "He’s had a couple of appointments and got his hard cast off. He’s in a boot and still won’t be weight bearing for quite awhile. His spirits have been really good. He has gotten a few shots up in the chair over the last few days. It’s just been fun to see him over the last couple days and it’s been fun to see him smile and know that he’s excited about attacking this rehab."

Hayward underwent successful bony and ligamentous stabilization surgery for the fracture dislocation of his left ankle sustained on Opening Night on Oct 19. The team has said publicly that it does not expect him to return to the floor this year, but Stevens indicated last week that he is planning on keeping Hayward engaged with the team by having him assist the coaching staff with scouting reports for opponents.

It appears that process has begun already during the C's five-game winning streak, as Stevens credited the injured wing for helping the team prepare for the Bucks and Spurs over the last week. 

"He’s been a guy (we've talked to)," Stevens told Zolak and Bertrand. "Especially with teams, including the Bucks with Giannis -- because they had good success against the Bucks in Utah and had played well against the Spurs. We certainly picked his brain and will continue to do so as we move forward. I know he’s sharing his thoughts with the young guys as well."

Stevens didn’t want to reveal too many specifics about the nature of Hayward's assignments last week when discussing them with reporters but that kind of a role is a unique responsibility for an NBA player and is an example of the respect that Stevens has for Hayward’s basketball IQ.

“We are just going to throw him different assignments that we’re working on as a staff,” Stevens said after the win last week in Milwaukee. “Just to keep him engaged.”