Los Angeles Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari suffered a thumb injury in his right hand after punching an opposing player during Italian national squad’s exhibition game against the Netherlands. It was initially reported that Gallinari suffered a fractured right hand after punching Jito Kok during a scuffle after a hard foul, but Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN clarified that it was a broken thumb that won't require surgery. Gallinari and Kok were battling for a rebound when the latter tried to push back the Clippers forward. Gallinari reacted by taking a full swing on Kok.
Sky Sports Italy reported that Gallinari left the game and went to the hospital to get his injury checked, which was later determined to be an injured thumb. The Italian Federation announced that Gallinari needs 40 days of recovery, making him unavailable for the EuroBasket. Wojnarowski reported that Gallinari would be available for the Clippers come training camp.
The Denver Nuggets shipped Gallinari to the Clippers via three-team deal that also involved the Atlanta Hawks. The Nuggets signed Gallinari to a three-year, $65 million contract before trading him to the Clippers, who shipped shooting guard Jamal Crawford, reserve center Diamond Stone, a protected 2018 first-round pick and cash to Atlanta.
Gallinari to fill scoring void for Clippers
The 28-year-old Gallinari will fill the scoring void left by Chris Paul and J.J. Redick. Reddick signed a one-year, $23 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers while Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets for Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker and a top-3 protected 2018 first-round pick.
Last season, Gallinari averaged 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists with the Nuggets. He will team up in the front court with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. In his career, Gallinari averaged 15.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
Griffin recently signed a five-year, $173 million deal with the Clippers, saying “this is the best place for me,” adding that he wants to finish his career with the team.
Last season, Griffin averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. However, Griffin’s career has been marred by different injuries that caused him to miss 83 games in the past three seasons.
Clippers tried to pursue Kyrie Irving
The Clippers tried to pursue All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving from Cleveland but pulled out because they lack the necessary players to fulfill the Cavs’ demands. Earlier, it was reported that the Cavs want a win-now veteran, a blue-chip young player and first round picks for Irving. However, the Clippers lack the necessary pieces for Irving, with only Dekker and Montrezl Harrell as possible trade options.
