The Denver Nuggets played fairly well after Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL, going 6-1 to close the regular season, though the were upset by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
But the Nuggets are clearly better with Gallinari, who averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, and could use him back sooner than later. Looks like it will be later. Benjamin Hochman of The Denver Post:
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (left knee surgery) was originally thought to be ready to play Jan. 1, but Gallinari confirmed by text Thursday that he might not return until later in January or maybe even February.
While Gallinari underwent surgery on his meniscus four weeks ago, he had a slight delay in his rehab and won’t have surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament for another two weeks, he said during a talk show on 102.3 ESPN.
It helps that the Nuggets know their situation with Gallinari so far in advance, but still leaves a complicated course to navigate.