Gallinari’s return pushed back

The Denver Nuggets’ Italian forward Danilo Gallinari has confirmed he will be out for longer than expected as he recovers from a torn ACL. The player was expected to be back in the action by January 1st, 2014, but that date has now been pushed back to later in January or maybe even February.

The versatile forward planted his leg awkwardly during a 95-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on April 4th and his knee could not support the weight and buckled. Gallinari collapsed to the floor screaming in pain which immediately indicated that the injury would result in a long lay-off. The day after the game Gallinari was sent for an MRI scan which found that he had torn his left ACL. A lengthy recovery process was revealed although medical teams said “a prognosis for a full recovery is excellent.”

24-year old Danilo Gallinari was acquired by the Nuggets as a part of the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks. The Italian settled well in Denver and recently signed a $42 million contract extension for four years. This season was proving fruitful for the forward as he was averaging 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and was the 2nd leading scorer in the franchise with 16.2 points per game.

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Gallinari was not available for the end of the NBA season or the following Play-Offs, but Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri said at the time of the injury two months ago that Gallinari would come back stronger than ever.

“We’re extremely disappointed for Gallo. He was having a career year in scoring and rebounding and was a huge reason for our success; we will obviously support him and be there for him throughout his recovery.
“Knowing his work ethic and commitment to getting back on the floor, we are confident he will come back stronger than ever next season.”

Four weeks ago, Danilo Gallinari underwent surgery to repair meniscus in his left knee as the recovery process for the torn ACL started. After that first operation it was said he would have another shortly after before entering the rehabilitation routine that would keep him out until January 1st.

However, that second surgery has now been delayed for two weeks the player confirmed in an ESPN interview yesterday. That means he will not be back on the court until later in January and maybe not until February 2014.