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Boston Celtics: ‘Larry Bird fan’ Danilo Gallinari already bleeding green

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 30: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul on a shot in the first half against the New York Knicks during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 30: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul on a shot in the first half against the New York Knicks during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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It was a “no-brainer” said Danilo Gallinari when asked why he signed a two-year, $13.3 million deal with the Boston Celtics.

Growing up a Celtics and Larry Bird fan, the sharp-shooting veteran seized the opportunity to sign with the team he grew up cheering for when the opportunity presenting himself.  It also helped that team has a chance at winning a championship, something Gallinari says he wants to contribute to.

"“You walk in this facility and look around, you see what’s going on around with the banners and the history and everything that the Celtics are about.  It was an easy choice,” Gallinari said during his introductory press conference, via NBC Sports Boston."

After being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the San Antonio Spurs this offseason, Gallinari was bought out by the Spurs, which set up this opportunity to sign with the Celtics.  It appears to be the perfect match for the Eastern Conference champions who feel short of a NBA Finals victory mostly due to their lack of scoring off the bench.

Boston Celtics and Danilo Gallinari appear to be the perfect match

That is where Malcolm Brogdon and Gallinari should help take this team over the top, especially if the team gets the Gallinari who always seemed to torch them as an opponent.  Perhaps he always got up for playing against the Celtics because he always wanted to wear the uniform.

Already bleeding green, what Gallinari said he’s most excited about is playing in TD Garden on a nightly basis.  In fact, it is something he has dreamed about.

https://twitter.com/gallinari8888/status/1546747934213021700

"“I think about it.  I have dreams about it,” Gallinari said.  I’m glad that now it’s a reality, and I can’t wait to start a season and experience that finally as a Celtics player and not playing against the Celtics.  It’s an amazing atmosphere.  Everybody knows that, so I’m really looking forward to it.”"

Though past his prime, Gallinari is still a proficient shooter who does lack a little defensively, but the Boston Celtics should be able to cover up for that once Ime Udoka find the right combinations.

As proven in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, the team will need players like Gallinari and Brogdon to provide a boost offensively and, through their veteran presence, provide a bit of leadership when Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart or Al Horford are not on the court.

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In all, given how admired Gallinari is with the franchise, this signing is a win for both sides.  As a player who has averaged 15.6 points in his career, coming off the bench and contributing to a championship contending team is coming at the right time in his career.

As long as he’s healthy and bleeding green, he should help the Boston Celtics compete for another NBA Finals run.

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