This was not what the Boston Celtics wanted or expected during their offseason.
The team hasn’t made a lot of huge changes or acquisitions during the summer.
But they have made a few choices that could make their team stronger and more capable of returning to the Finals and even winning next season.
One of those acquisitions was Danilo Gallinari, who was signed to the team just weeks ago.
Gallinari was seen as a proven veteran with shooting ability and the skill needs to really bolster the team’s bench.
Breaking: Celtics forward Danilo Gallinari has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/P3sxMamroA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 2, 2022
Sadly, now the team won’t be getting to experience Gallinari’s potential.
The forward has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced on Friday.
The typical timetable for a return after an injury like this isn’t short: usually, players are out for at least six months to a year.
That means that Gallinari’s time to shine will have to wait.
Goodbye For Now, Gallinari
Gallinari has been in the league for 13 seasons now.
He has played for a number of teams, including the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and most recently, the Atlanta Hawks.
For his career, he has averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
He is a great role player who can come out strong off the bench.
He is sometimes the missing piece that a team needs.
That’s what the Celtics imagined for Gallinari, anyway: he was going to improve the team’s depth and really focus on taking – and making – great shots.
Gallinari’s career field goal percentage – 43.4% – could have greatly helped the Celtics.
Sadly, now he will be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
He will still someday be a huge asset to Boston, but not yet.
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