Hayward trying to return as soon as possible, open to playing this season

Gordon Hayward remains open to the possibility of playing again this season.

The Boston Celtics small forward has been sidelined since opening night when he suffered a dislocated left ankle and fractured tibia, which was believed to spell the end of his campaign before it really even began.

Hayward, 27, is trying his best to recover from his injuries so he can return to action - perhaps before the conclusion of 2017-18.

"My mind is open to that," he told The Associated Press on Friday. "I'm trying to get back as fast as I can. It all depends on how I heal, and taking it day by day, goal by goal. We'll see what happens."

Related: Hayward vows to remain involved with Celtics while sidelined

Hayward signed with Boston this past summer but got hurt just five minutes into his debut with the team. His agent indicated it was unlikely the All-Star would play again this season, and the Celtics have maintained they're "not planning" to have him back in the lineup until next year.

The eighth-year pro ditched his walking boot Wednesday and is now wearing a protective brace, which lets him move around and shoot more. He's now traveling with the club and serving a video role while he continues his rehab.

Hayward's coming off a career year in which he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal over 73 games with the Utah Jazz.