Rooster Having Trouble Crowing
Danilo “the Rooster” Gallinari’s future in basketball is at a standstill.

Reports from New York say that Gallinari has left the team and is now in Italy, discussing the possibility of season-ending surgery to heal his back, which has multiple bulging discs.

In games where he has played, Gallinari has been more than a bit player. He scored 17 points against Eastern Conference rival Atlanta and 15 against New Jersey.

This comes as Gallinari was getting into a groove. The potential for a star is in him, but not if his back continues to give him constant pain, limiting his movement both on and off the court.

Gallinari played for Olimpia Milano in the Italian league. In Olimpia Milano’s games in Euroleague competitions, Gallinari averaged nearly 15 points and 4 rebounds per game, earning him the Euroleague Rising Star Award for the 2007-08 campaign.

Regardless of whether or not he has surgery, it would appear his season with the Knicks is over, as he still requires substantial rehabilitation according to Knicks officials and the Knick organization does not want to jeopardize the 20-year old’s career in a season that is quickly going down the tubes.

“We can’t risk him,” D’Antoni said. “We can’t make a misstep with him. He is going to be a very, very good player and we’re going to take care of him.”

The Knicks’ president says that a decision on surgery should be made by next week.

Links and Resources: After injury, Danilo Gallinari showing NY Knicks his potential (Interbasket), Gallinari seeing specialists in Italy (ESPN)