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Agent says Gordon Hayward’s surgery went well

Gordon Hayward was injured in Tuesday’s season opener vs. the Cavaliers.Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Gordon Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said in a phone interview Thursday morning that Hayward’s surgery to repair a dislocated ankle and broken tibia “went really well,” but he cautioned that it is unlikely that the Celtics forward will play this season.

“I think he’s going to do great,” Bartelstein said. “We have no question about a full recovery, and he’ll be back better than ever.

“But it’s going to be a while. It’s going to be a process. It’s going to take a little bit, so we’ve just got to go through the process.

“It’s obviously a serious injury, but the doctors did a great job and now he’s on the way to recovery.”

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Hayward underwent surgery at New England Baptist Hospital Wednesday night, as the Celtics were playing their home opener against the Bucks. He was treated by a team led by the Celtics’ surgeon, Dr. Brian McKeon.

Bartelstein said he spoke to Hayward before and after the procedure, and that his spirits remained high.

“He’s doing OK,” Bartelstein said. “He’s glad to have it behind him, and now he’s more focused on going forward.

“It obviously still shocks your world to go through something like that, but he’s a really strong kid and is going to put his mind in the right place. Right now we’ve just got to get through the pain from the surgery, which we’re working on.”

Hayward suffered the injury just 5 minutes 15 seconds into Boston’s season opener against the Cavaliers in Cleveland Tuesday night. He landed hard and awkwardly after jumping to grab an alley-oop pass, and his left ankle was mangled.

Bartelstein said that Hayward’s calm, focused demeanor will help him as he begins what is sure to be an arduous and lengthy period of rest, recovery, and rehabilitation.

“He’s got such great determination,” Bartelstein said. “He’s got such great will. He’s got such great focus in his life. So all the qualities he has that make him who he is today are going to help him get through this injury, this surgery.

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“He’s an incredible person on every level and all those qualities will serve him well now; there’s no doubt about it.”

After the Celtics starters were announced at Wednesday night’s game against Milwaukee, Hayward was introduced as a sixth starter, and the sellout crowd roared. A few moments later, a video message that Hayward had recorded from his hospital bed prior to surgery was shown on the TD Garden scoreboard, and the crowd cheered once more.

At one point during the game, the fans started chanting Hayward’s name.

Bartelstein said that Hayward was aware of the reception he received at the game, and he has been touched by the outpouring of support in Boston, around the NBA, and around the world.

“I think it’s been just unbelievable,” Bartelstein said. “I think it’s been overwhelming for him.

“I think the one thing that comes out from something like this is you see how much people care about you.

“I think it means the world to him, and I think he’s really been inspired by just the way people in Boston and around the world have reached out to him. It’s been great. The reaction at the arena last night meant the world to him.”

Hayward’s wife, Robyn, and father, Gordon Sr., posted positive updates about Hayward’s surgery on Instagram and Twitter early Thursday morning.

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Bartelstein said there is no timetable for Hayward’s return, or even for when he might take his first steps.

“It’s too early for all that,” he said. “The first goal is to get out of the hospital.”


Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.