Hayward vows to remain involved with Celtics while sidelined for season

Gordon Hayward is trying to make the most of his unfortunate situation.

A day after confirming he won't play again this season, the Boston Celtics small forward addressed the media for the first time since suffering a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia on opening night.

Hayward, 27, returned to the team's practice facility this week, where he's taken part in some light shooting from a chair.

"It's going to be really important for me and my mental health to stay involved and still be a part of the team as much as I can," he said at a press conference Thursday, as quoted by ESPN's Chris Forsberg.

Head coach Brad Stevens said last week that the All-Star swingman will be given the lead on video projects for the club as he recoveries from his injuries.

Hayward, who joined Boston this offseason in free agency, explained how his nasty fall just five minutes into the first game of the NBA season derailed his debut with the C's, but didn't change how he feels about the team.

"I was obviously just devastated," he said. "I felt like I had put in so much work to get ready for this season. Made a pretty tough decision to come here to Boston to play, one that I still definitely don't regret by any means. But I wanted it to go differently for my first game as a Celtic. So just devastated I guess that I wouldn't be able to contribute, that I wouldn't be able to have the season I wanted to have."

Related: Hayward gets emotional recalling family's reaction to injury

The Celtics currently have the best record in the league at 6-2, and boast the top defensive rating.