The injury, the sacrifices and the hope of another chance among the big names in American basketball
<a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nba-the-results-of-the-night-brooklyn-overwhelms-chicago-lakers-beaten-in-sacramento/" title="NBA, the results of the night: Brooklyn overwhelms Chicago, Lakers beaten in Sacramento”>Danilo Gallinari, 36 years old, is considered one of the best Italian basketball players ever, a talent who has also achieved important goals in the NBA, the most prestigious championship in the world. Yet, today he finds himself experiencing a delicate moment, waiting for a new team after a period marked by injuries and changes of jersey. Gallinari has proven to be one of the most resilient Italian athletes, but, as he himself admitted, this phase of his career is full of uncertainties.
The injury that changed everything
The beginning of Gallinari’s downward trajectory dates back to 2022, when a serious injury suffered during a World Cup qualifying match against Georgia put his career at risk. At the time, Gallinari had just signed a contract with i Boston Celticsone of the most prestigious teams in the NBA. However, due to the rupture of the cruciate ligament, the player was unable to take the field for the entire season, not even in the championship final, which the Celtics lost against the Golden State Warriors.
Gallinari’s dream of winning an NBA title was therefore shattered, and with his departure from Boston, the hope of being able to shine again became more difficult.
A difficult year between team changes and new challenges
During the 2023-2024 season, Gallinari was at the center of numerous trades: sold by Boston to Washingtonplayed just 26 games before moving to Detroit Pistonswhere he played just six matches. Finally, he reached the Milwaukee Bucksbut here too the result was disappointing, with the team falling short of victory expectations. Despite his desire to remain in Milwaukee, the club did not offer him a renewal, forcing him to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Gallinari: «I train and wait for a new opportunity»
Today Gallinari trains in Miami, hoping for a call that will give him the chance to continue playing in the NBA. «When my agent sees an audition opportunity, he lets me know» declared Gallinari, adding that the reform of the rules on salary cap and changes in NBA regulations penalize veteran players like him.
Despite this complex situation, the basketball player says he is calm and ready to evaluate proposals, as long as they are teams with a serious project. «I will not sign at all costs. Whoever hires me knows what to expect» he stated, reiterating that he does not intend to accept offers from “rundown” franchises.
The NBA dream and the connection with Italy
Gallinari does not rule out returning to the national team, where he has already demonstrated his qualities in international competitions. “I train also thinking about a possible call-up to the national team,” he said, maintaining a strong bond with Italian basketball. However, for now his goal remains the NBA: «Would I like to return to the Celtics? Sure, but I don’t know if they can consider me».
The alternative: a career as a manager
If the call does not arrive, Gallinari has already expressed interest in a future as a sports manager, a role that would allow him to remain in the world of basketball with a new perspective. However, the commitment of a managerial role would make participation in the national team more difficult, and Gallinari wants to explore all possibilities before making a final decision.
An ending still open for an Italian talent
Gallinari is ready to face whatever challenges the future holds for him. With his fighting spirit and determination that has always distinguished him, the “Rooster” does not give up, and continues to work to keep himself ready for a new opportunity. In the meantime, he continues to train and keep his spirits high, waiting, as he joked, “not for Godot, but for a phone call.”
