Danilo Gallinari takes a step forward in the recovery from an ACL injury

During the offseason, the Boston Celtics signed veteran forward Danilo Gallinari to a contract.

The move made a lot of sense for the Celtics, and Gallinari was expected to play a big role for the team this season.

Unfortunately, the 34-year-old suffered a torn ACL at the 2022 EuroBasket, dramatically changing the outlook for his 2022-23 NBA campaign.

But Gallinari hasn’t ruled out the idea of ​​returning before the season is out, and he appears to be making solid progress as he rehabs.

He recently shared a video on Twitter in which he can be seen taking his first shot since the injury.

First shot after injury… same touch 😉🎯#Boston Celts #rehabilitation #basketball pic.twitter.com/0xOf5tqaRi

– DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) October 25, 2022

It’s certainly great to see the veteran is back in the gym.

the road ahead

Whether Gallinari will be able to play this season remains to be seen, but the idea of ​​him taking the floor for Boston at some point is certainly an exciting thought for fans of the team.

Despite a recent loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics are 3-1 and look like one of the best teams in the league again, and Gallinari would only make them better.

Last season, the former first-round pick averaged 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from deep.

He has never won an NBA title or made it to the NBA Finals, which are goals the Celtics are looking to accomplish this season and beyond.

If Gallinari returns this season, he will be looking to help Boston check those boxes.

If he can’t suit up until next season, he can still help the Celtics contend for a title as long as he decides to pick his player option for the 2023-24 campaign.