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Two months after sustaining the initial injury, Danilo Gallinari's back is still feeling a bit al dente. As a result,
the Knicks' prized Italian rookie remains sidelined less than two weeks before the opening of training camp.
Yet there are no indications that Gallinari, the sixth overall pick in the 2008 draft, won't be ready for the start of camp Sept. 30 in Saratoga Springs. A team spokesman would say only that Gallinari's injury "is not a serious concern" and the Knicks are "being careful" with the 20-year-old forward.
But a person with knowledge of the situation said there is a great deal of disappointment that Gallinari didn't come back to New York sooner to work with the team's medical staff and prepare himself for his first
NBA season. There may not be long-term concern with the injury, but the team is worried that the residual effect of the injury will hamper Gallinari's effectiveness - if not his ability to get critical minutes in exhibition play - early in the season.
Gallinari injured his back in the first game of the NBA Summer League on July 15. He had 14 points in a win over the Cavaliers and had some impressive moments, but the lasting impression was that of him packed in ice after the game after being knocked to the hardwood by NBA veteran Robert "Tractor" Traylor. It was the only game Gallinari, who said he was fatigued and sore, played in the five-game summer league.
The Knicks allowed him to return to Italy in August to play for his country in a few international tournaments. But Gallinari continued to experience pain and eventually left the Italian national team in late August. He only arrived in New York this week.
While Gallinari remains sidelined, another rookie,
Patrick Ewing, Jr., has created some buzz during the pickup games at the voluntary workouts at Skidmore College with his athleticism, strength and intensity.
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