After more than a decade of playing in the NBA, Danilo Gallinari has found himself unsigned for the upcoming season. In his case, the former Milwaukee Bucks forward is still hopeful he can find a way to play in the league.
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 236 pounds, Gallinari played primarily as a small forward and power forward during his professional career. he began his career in Italy, playing for teams like Casalpusterlengo and Olimpia Milano, where he gained recognition for his skills and was named the Italian League MVP in 2008.
In the 2008 NBA Draft, Gallinari was selected sixth overall by the New York Knicks. His NBA journey included stints with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, and most recently, the Milwaukee Bucks. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an ability to score effectively, especially from beyond the arc, earning him a reputation as a reliable shooter.
Gallinari has faced injuries that impacted his playing time, particularly during his tenure with the Nuggets, where he missed entire seasons due to knee issues. Despite these challenges, he has had standout performances, including a career-high 47 points in a game with the Nuggets.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Forward Danilo Gallinari Hopeful About NBA Return
At this point in time, the former Bucks forward is still unsigned. In an article by Cody Smith for Sports Illustrated, Gallinari expressed his desire to play in the NBA again.
“However, as it stands right now, the longtime NBA veteran isn’t ready to call his NBA journey quits. He’s reportedly doing everything he can to further his NBA playing career by at least one more season. According to an interview with ‘La Repubblica’, the 2008 Italian League MVP is still holding out hope of an NBA return.
“A return to Italy? Not yet,” Gallinari said.
“There is still time for [me in] the market, anything can happen at any time. Miami? It’s not my time yet, there are other free agents and we’ll decide later. It could be anywhere, as long as it’s a competitive franchise,” said Gallinari.”
The 36-year-old forward recorded a career-low 2.8 points per game, shooting only 17.6 percent from three-point range in 17 games, averaging 9.1 minutes. This was his first season with single-digit scoring since 2009, excluding his rookie year.
In addition to his NBA success, Gallinari has represented Italy in international competitions, contributing to the national team’s efforts on various stages. His career reflects resilience and adaptability, making him a respected figure in basketball circles. Hopefully, he can make it back to the league and have one final run before his career is over.
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