Boston Celtics forward Danilo Gallinari tore his left meniscus while playing for Italy in a FIBA World Cup qualifying game Saturday.
The Italian National Team did not provide a timetable for Gallinari’s recovery but said he has no ACL or ligament damage in his knee. As a result of the injury, he will miss next month’s EuroBasket tournament.
Gallinari went down in the fourth quarter of Italy’s game against the Georgian National Team. He grabbed his knee after a bounce pass in the lane and limped to the bench where trainers rushed to examine him. A staff member and teammate had to help Gallinari walk to the locker room.
Italy went on to win 91-84.
Earlier this summer, the Celtics signed Gallinari, 34, to a two-year contract with the taxpayer mid-level exception. He’s expected to give Boston depth as the team looks to return to the NBA Finals.
Last season, the veteran forward averaged 11.7 points per game while usually coming off the Atlanta Hawks’ bench. He’s recorded averages of 15.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in his 16-year NBA career while also playing for the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
GO DEEPER
Danilo Gallinari loved Larry Bird growing up; now he wants to get Celtics a ring
(Photo: Jerome Miron / USA Today)
