LOOK: Hayward Ditches The Ankle Brace It Seems (Ainge Tweets Pic)

[moiso]

Some fans are optimistic for a return and some are pessimistic.  I’m just in the wait and see category.  If he’s healthy and cleared he will play, if he’s not quite ready he won’t.  I don’t think there will be any pressure on him to return early regardless of the circumstances.  For now I’m not wasting any thought on Hayward on this years team.  When I think of next years team my thoughts include Hayward and it’s very exciting.

[cman88]

I think he will return this year...Hayward basically said himself his goal is to return this season

I wouldn't pay much time to the team not giving a definitive answer...they are smartly not putting any expectations on hayward to return but at the same time not giving him any limits to what he can do if he wants to come back.