Boston Celtics wing Gordon Hayward is now out of his hard cast and has begun shooting out of a chair, according to head coach Brad Stevens.

During a Wednesday interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak and Bertrand, Stevens said Hayward's rehab from a gruesome ankle injury is "moving in a great direction."

"He got his hard cast off," Stevens said. "He's in a boot. He still won't be weight-bearing for quite a while, but his spirits have been really good. He has gotten a few shots up in a chair in each of the last few days, and it's just been fun to see him the last couple of days, and to see him smile, and to know that he's excited about attacking his rehab."

Stevens said the Celtics picked Hayward's brain for tips on how to match up with the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo as well as the San Antonio Spurs. While he recovers, Hayward will spend some time assisting the Boston coaching staff. He has also spent some time in a Halloween outfit:

Despite the optimism from Stevens, the Celtics received a disabled player exception, meaning the NBA believes Hayward will likely miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs.