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NBA: How major injuries to star players has impacted the 2017-18 season

By FanSided User

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on November 19, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on November 19, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 16: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics watches from the bench during the first quarter of the Celtics game against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on November 16, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 16: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics watches from the bench during the first quarter of the Celtics game against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on November 16, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Injury

Just five minutes into his Boston Celtics tenure, NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward went up for an alley-oop, came down awkwardly and fractured his left ankle. He had surgery and he is working to get back but it looks like we will have to wait until next year to see Hayward play again.

Impact

The Boston Celtics, even without Hayward, are one of the best teams in the NBA. Led by Coach of the Year favorite Brad Stevens, they have the league’s top defense, giving up just 99.0 points per 100 possessions.

With Kyrie Irving, Al Horford and an assortment of young versatile wings, the Celtics have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. They are playing at a 60-win pace and that is without Hayward, who is arguably their best all-around player.

If Hayward is back at an All-Star level next year, the Celtics might be the favorites to reach the NBA Finals in the East. Hayward is another versatile wing who can switch on defense and fits perfectly into Stevens’ offensive system. He can thrive both with and without the ball, and it will be fascinating to see how Stevens uses him and Kyrie together.

Hopefully Hayward’s recovery process goes smoothly so we can see him back on the court next season performing at his best.

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