Boston Celtics veteran Danilo Gallinari has yet to play for his newest team, but the Italian wing is hopeful that will change soon enough. Gallinari recently told the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach that he is hopeful he can be ready for action as soon as this postseason. “My mindset is that I want to play, and that I’m going to play at the end of the season,” Gallinari said. “I want to play in the playoffs. So that’s the mindset that helps me every day get better and motivates me even more.”
Boston signed Gallinari this past July, inking the 34-year-old to a two-year, $13.3 million contract. Gallanari had spent the previous two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, serving as a helpful scoring threat off the bench.
Unfortunately, however, Gallinari tore his ACL just a few weeks later playing for the Italian National team during FIBA Eurocup.
Gallinari was born in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, and played professionally in Europe before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2008.
He first tore his left ACL back in April of 2013, causing him to miss the entire 2013-14 season. Despite the long recovery, Gallinari continued to serve as one of the more talented scoring wings in the NBA.
In his recent interview with the Globe, Gallinari made it clear he’s trying to stay focused on incremental progress.
“I’m just taking it day by day,” Gallinari said “That’s the best way to approach a rehab and approach an injury like this.”
Gallinari was recently cleared to begin running and has been seen doing shooting drills with the Celtics during practices.
He told the Globe the possibility of returning to the court this postseason has been a big motivation for him to stay focused and determined with his rehab work. Still, he’s not getting ahead of himself.
“If it happens, it’s going to be great,” Gallinari said. “If it doesn’t, I’m looking forward to next season.”
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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire