The Boston Celtics appeared to have suffered a serious injury blow before even reached training camp. Forward Danilo Gallinari suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
According to reports Gallinari went down with a non-contact injury to his left knee in the fourth quarter of Italy’s 91-84 win over Georgia.
Per StorieASpicchi reporter Cesare Milanti, Italy’s team doctor and head coach believe that Gallinari tore one of the cruciate ligaments in his knee.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania later reported that Gallinari’s ACL is stable and that full test including an MRI would occur on Sunday.
Danilo Gallinari during the International Friendly Match between France and Italy
Gallinari drives to basket before being hurt in World Cup Qualifier against Georgia
The injury looked to occur as Gallinari attempted to take euro-step and immediately came up hobbling. He was attended to by the medical team before being quickly assisted to the locker room.
‘I hope and I pray that nothing bad will come out. It was… it is an honor coaching him. I saw pain in his eyes,’ Italian head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco said.
He was seen standing with teammates in the locker room with ice wrapped around his knee following the game.
Boston acquired Gallinari and Malcolm Brogdon as their major offseason moves
Gallinari was expected to play a large in the Boston Celtics plans this season after he signed a two-year $13.3 million contract to join the team after spending last season with the Atlanta Hawks.
He appeared in 66 games averaging 11.7 points, 1.5 assist, and 4.7 total rebounds.
Boston also acquired point guard Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers this offseason.