Hayward to travel with Celtics once medically cleared

Even if they can't get him on-court this season, the Boston Celtics plan to keep Gordon Hayward as involved and present as possible.

Already slated to assume a role in the team's video department, Hayward will travel with the Celtics and sit on the bench for home and road games once he's medically cleared to do so, head coach Brad Stevens told reporters Monday.

"We're really trying to stay active in (keeping him involved) in our communications while we're on the road, and constantly seeing him when we're at home," Stevens said. "And then once he can come to games, both on the road and at home, he will be more visible to everyone else, because it's just a matter of health right now. They don't want him traveling yet. They don't want him sitting on the bench yet."

Hayward said last week it's crucial to his mental health that he stay involved with the team while he recovers from his devastating ankle and leg injuries, which he suffered on opening night and which may well cost him the entire season.

"Engagement is really important," Stevens acknowledged. "The reality is he's first and foremost a human being, and there is a physical aspect to recovery, but there's also an emotional aspect to recovery, and there's an emotional aspect to being a part of the team. You don't want to come back - when you come back - and not have been engaged with everyone."

Stevens added he wants Hayward to travel with the team "for a number of reasons, but mostly so he continues to feel involved."

The Celtics are thriving even without their marquee free-agent signing, riding an eight-game winning streak to the NBA's best record. But seeing Hayward back on the bench and the team plane will surely be a sight for sore eyes.