Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari said Saturday that his season is over.
A right ankle that has damage to three ligaments will not heal in time for him to return for any of the final four games. Thus, Gallinari will end this season by missing the final 23 games.
“Very disappointing,” Gallinari said. “But that’s the way it is. We’re not fighting for anything right now. As a player, it’s one of the worst feelings ever, because if you’re not fighting for anything, it’s even tougher to find the motivation to play a game.”
Gallinari’s right ankle, injured at Dallas on Feb. 26, is healing well, Gallinari said. But he’s not doing things at full speed yet. He was, however, able to do some work at the shootaround Saturday morning.
Gallinari had been having the best season of his career, with averages of 19.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. He said the decision to shut it down for the rest of the season wasn’t made in an effort to preserve himself for his Italian national team obligations this summer with Olympic qualifying play and possibly the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“He was our go-to player, he was our leader on the floor and he was playing at a high level,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “So, for him to go down, obviously, you never want to see anybody get injured. But to finish a career year off on the injured list and not be able to play and help your team, I’m sure, is very frustrating for him.
“Big summer for Gallo, obviously, when he goes home to try to qualify for the Olympics. But it’s too bad. It’s given an opportunity for other guys to play, but my first thought is I feel bad for Gallo because he’s had such a good year. And to miss as many games as he’s missed because of his injury is always tough.”
Footnotes
Forward Darrell Arthur did not play in Saturday’s game because of a sore knee. He scored a career-high-tying 24 points in Thursday’s game at New Orleans. He’s day to day.
Center Jusuf Nurkic did return to action after missing time because of an illness.
Christopher Dempsey, The Denver Post
