Celtics Practice Report: Brad Stevens says Gordon Hayward’s minutes could be limited to begin the year

BRIGHTON - The Boston Celtics held practice on Friday afternoon at the Auerbach Center, where Gordon Hayward and Brad Stevens spoke to the media prior to the team’s workout.

The Celtics head coach was asked about Hayward’s availability at the beginning of the season, especially with the team playing 3 games in 5 days during the first week of their schedule. Stevens noted that Hayward “will probably be a little limited early from a minutes standpoint” as he works his way back, but the forward should play in back-to-backs. Nothing to be concerned about here, this is pretty standard for someone returning from a serious season-ending injury.

Hayward said he’s feeling better with each day of practice. He added that “the first week of practice was rough on (him)”, but said that his body is feeling better day by day. On a lighter note, he did say that he remains atop the Celtics’ ping pong ladder. “To set the record straight, I’m at the top of the ladder. I have not been beat by anybody here in a series yet. I’ve been beaten in a game but I’ve not been beaten in a series. That’s the real truth, if anyone tries to tell you different.”

One final practice note: Robert Williams (sick) did not practice today and missed yesterday’s film session. Stevens said he recently came down with a bug.

Check out everything Stevens and Hayward said on Friday below:

Brad Stevens:

Gordon Hayward: