Getty Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics drives against former Atlanta Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari.
On January 4, Boston Celtics injured forward Danilo Gallinari posted his latest update on his injury rehab. Gallinari posted a 12-second video of him running on the court, which according to him, was his first run since tearing his ACL. “First run on the court #rehab goes on @celtics,” Gallinari tweeted.
Seeing Gallinari’s latest update has Celtics fans excited about the prospect of him potentially coming back to play this season, even though the Celtics expect Gallinari to miss the season.
“Danilo is coming back for the playoffs. I bet anything on it,” one fan tweeted.
Another fan interpreted the “04/01/2023” in the top right corner of Gallinari’s video as the date he plans to return (April 1), though the date more likely refers to the date of the tweet, written in the European style. Gallinari is a native of Italy.
DJ Bean, a Boston sports media personality, posted a GIF from the movie “Billy Madison” in which the titular character says, “Now you’re all in big, big trouble.”
The Athletic’s Jay King quote-tweeted Gallinari’s update, posting an eyes emoji, signifying his taking a look.
Although he continues to give fans updates whenever he can, until further notice, Gallinari is expected to miss the entire season. He was the only Celtic listed on team’s injury report ahead of their January 5 game against the Dallas Mavericks.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs. Dallas:
Danilo Gallinari (left knee ACL repair) – OUT
Writer Proposes Danilo Gallinari-for-Alex Caruso Trade
In a January 2 story in The Ringer, Michael Pina made 14 NBA predictions for 2023. At No. 9, Pina predicted that “whoever coughs up a first-round pick for Alex Caruso will not regret it.” He listed multiple NBA contenders who could use the Chicago Bulls guard, including the Celtics.
Pina suggested that the Celtics could use Gallinari in a possible trade for Caruso.
“Celtics? Their rotation is set, but if they want to get off Danilo Gallinari’s contract, sure,” Pina said.
While the Celtics would get more production out of Caruso than they would out of Gallinari this season (from the availability standpoint alone), trading Gallinari would not be a good look for the Celtics because he signed the taxpayer mid-level exception to join them.
However, Caruso’s championship experience could come in handy for a team that is vying to win it all this season. As of January 5, there were no reports indicating that the Bulls intend to trade anyone.
Writer Believes Gallinari Should Be Traded
In a January 2 Bleacher Report story, Andy Bailey explained why he felt that the Celtics should trade Gallinari.
“Trading him in the first year of a two-year deal [with that second year being a player option] while he recovers from that injury might feel a little harsh, but Boston is competing for a championship. Having a roster spot taken by someone who can’t play is far from ideal for a team in that tier.”
Bailey then previewed what the Celtics could potentially get back for Gallinari.
“If Gallinari’s salary could be attached with a future asset to land someone who can help the Celtics right now, the front office would have to consider it.”