The new Celtics forward Danilo Gallinari is out with a torn meniscus in his left knee, although it is unclear how long he will be sidelined. The type of surgery he elects to have—a total repair or just clipping off the damaged cartilage—depends on where and how severely the meniscus is torn.
We don't have much information, but Sportando reported news from Italy that Gallinari will be sidelined for roughly eight weeks.
Gallinari would be expected to return within eight weeks of the NBA season beginning (Boston's first game is on opening night, Oct. 18, versus Philadelphia).
The Celtics brought in Gallinari to add depth and shoot off the bench, limiting Al Horford, 36, to fewer minutes (as well as Jayson Tatum, to a degree). Gallinari doesn't seem to be out for a long period, which is excellent news for the Celtics in the long run.
Expect more small-ball Celtics shortly, with Grant Williams consuming some of those minutes at the four and five. The absence of Gallinari also creates an opportunity for players like Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser, and perhaps Mfiondu Kabengele or Noah Vonleh to make an impression during training camp. The Celtics can turn to the trade and free agent markets to hunt for depth at the four if circumstances change, and it seems Gallinari will be out for a longer period (Montrezl Harrell, Blake Griffin, and other veterans are still available).
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