Brad Stevens expects Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward to be cleared to play by August

The Boston Celtics had a remarkable season that saw them finish one win short of the NBA Finals despite losing All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward for the season well before the playoffs started.

Irving, Hawyard recovering from surgery setbacks

Both Irving and Hayward suffered setbacks due to complications from surgical implants to repair broken bones. Irving had infected screws removed in April from the broken kneecap he suffered in 2015, which ended his season.

Hayward, meanwhile, had screws removed in May from a plate implanted to heal the broken fibula he suffered during the Celtics’ season-opener in October after they were causing irritation.

Brad Stevens hopes to have stars back by August

Head coach Brad Stevens spoke optimistically about both of his injured stars on Monday.

“All success,” Stevens told the Boston Globe of Hayward’s latest procedure. “Everything is good and pointed toward being back exactly where he was — hopefully pain-free, because that plate is taken out — in the middle of July, which probably points to an early August, mid August fully cleared time frame.”

Stevens gave a similar report on Irving to the Boston Herald, expressing hope that he would be able to play pick-up games in August.

The Celtics will be one of the more fascinating stories to watch during the season next year, especially if they remain healthy. Young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown thrived in the absence of their veteran teammates. How they all mesh under Stevens’ leadership will go a long way in determining if they live up to their lofty aspirations as Eastern Conference contenders.

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