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Gordon Hayward shows off progress from broken ankle in promising workout video

Gordon Hayward showed off impressive footwork and shooting form in his first public basketball action since suffering a broken ankle last season. (AP)
Gordon Hayward showed off impressive footwork and shooting form in his first public basketball action since suffering a broken ankle last season. (AP)

Updates on Gordon Hayward’s progress since he suffered a gruesome broken ankle in last season’s NBA opener have been sporadic and mostly ambiguous, but he gave the clearest sign yet on Saturday that he’s ready to return to form.

Gordon Hayward looks good in workout video

The Boston Celtics forward posted Instagram video from a workout without renowned basketball trainer Drew Hanlen on Saturday, the first time we’ve seen Hayward on a basketball court since he suffered the season-ending ankle fracture five minutes into his tenure with the Boston Celtics.

The video highlights Hayward demonstrating footwork on the perimeter and in the post before hitting a variety of pull-up and fadeaway jump shots.

He then goes on an impressive 3-point barrage from the top of the key to show that rust apparently hasn’t hurt his stroke.

Hayward’s real test will come in game action

Of course, none of this is actual game action, and the true test for Hayward will be to mentally reassimilate to action involving physical contact with NBA competition next season.

But after a rumored return for the playoffs didn’t pan out and news of a setback that required the removal of a plate and screws from his injured ankle toward the end of the season, this is a welcome, positive sign for the Celtics and their fans.

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