Celtics Rumors: Danilo Gallinari can still make a huge impact in 2023
A chance to fulfill a childhood dream and help lead his favorite team growing up to an NBA title took a hit when Boston Celtics sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari went down with a torn ACL over the summer.
The Celtics have been fine without him, but the 34-year-old forward isn’t giving up on the season with hope that he can make his way back to be available for the playoffs. This is not something the Celtics or fans should rely on, but what a bonus and a lift it would be if Gallinari did return to the court.
"“My mindset is that I want to play, and that I’m going to play at the end of the season,” Gallinari told the Boston Globe, via Boston.com. “I want to play in the playoffs. So that’s the mindset that helps me every day get better and motivates me even more.”"
In signing a two-year, $13.3 million deal with the Celtics this offseason, Gallinari, along with the addition of Malcolm Brogdon were moves that not only gave the reigning Eastern Conference Champions depth on the bench but made them an instant NBA Finals favorite.
Brogdon has lived up to the hype for the most part, but Celtics fans are imagining if a healthy Gallinari was in the mix even with Grant Williams and Sam Hauser providing some shooting. With both of those players being streaky, depth at the wing position is something the Celtics must think about at the NBA Trade Deadline since they can’t depend on Gallinari being ready by playoff time.
Could the Celtics use Danilo Gallinari in a trade to gain another player?
There have been rumors and talk of that, but is it something Celtics president of basketball Brad Stevens operations would do?
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Not if Gallinari shows he could be ready because he may be a better option than what the team could be in return, especially in a decreased role in which he can come in and be that instant scorer the team needs at times. While he has started basketball activities, it’s the mindset that could make this all possible.
"“My mindset is there so there is definitely a chance,” Gallinari continued. “So, when I think about the season, it’s definitely not a lost season for me. So, we’ll see. That’s the mindset that helps me and pushes me to get better every day. If it happens, it’s going to be great. If it doesn’t, I’m looking forward to next season.”"
If the Boston Celtics don’t add anyone at the trade deadline and don’t pick up anyone on the buyout market, Gallinari’s potential return will be the talk amongst Celtics fans, especially if they continue to go through stretches when they struggle to find offense.
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By just being a spark off the bench, Gallinari impacting the team this season is still in play and something to watch as the regular season starts to wind down. He could still be the missing piece the team needs to get over the top.