NBA 2017-18: All-Injured Roster  

Starting Power Forward: Gordon Hayward

Hayward suffered a freak injury in his first game for the Celtics this season

Less than halfway through the first quarter of the season-opening Celtics vs Cavaliers game, new free agent signing Gordon Hayward went down with one of the most awful injuries in NBA history as he landed awkwardly on his ankle while attempting to catch a Kyrie Irving lob.

Hayward made his first appearance in the All-Star game in 2017, and was widely expected to be a two-way difference maker for a Celtics franchise looking to contend for its first NBA title since 2008. Though the Celtics have marched on valiantly to the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference, they would be a much better proposition to make the NBA Finals this year with Hayward fit and firing on all cylinders.

While Hayward himself has not ruled out a return this season, the Celtics would be better advised to keep him under wraps till next season - when we can see a fully fit Gordon Hayward - who ranks among the league's best two-way players in full health.