Gordon Hayward Suffers Gruesome Injury In Debut [Photos, Video]

BOSTON, MA — Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome leg injury Tuesday night in Cleveland, just minutes into his Celtics debut after he signed the richest contract in franchise history.

Hayward, 27, dislocated his ankle and fractured his tibia, Celtics coach Brad Stevens said after the game. Stevens coached Hayward at Butler University, then successfully coaxed him from Utah in the offseason with a four-year, $128 million contract. Hayward played 5 minutes 15 seconds before getting carted off the floor.

Hayward crashed to the floor after raising up for an alley-oop, his ankle area facing an unnatural direction, prompting emotional reactions from several teammates and opponents. Officials immediately stopped play.

Watch: Athletes Respond To Hayward's Injury

Hayward had surgery Wednesday night in Boston.

Big-name players around the league - including new teammate Kyrie Irving - spoke out in support of Hayward.

The injury changes the outlook of what was the most anticipated Celtics season in a decade.

Boston signed Hayward and traded for Irving to pair with Al Horford and exciting young players Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The Celtics were favorites to return to the Eastern Conference Finals and give Cleveland a run.

You can see photos and video of the injury below. WARNING: They contain graphic content:

AP Photos/Tony Dejak