:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69545560/usa_today_16299364.0.jpg)
Atlanta Hawks big man Danilo Gallinari has been named to Italy’s Olympic roster. This comes as no surprise, as he’s one of if not the best Italian basketball player of his era, and coming off of another fine season in the NBA. At 32 years old, Gallinari is probably past the prime of his career, but he’s still an intelligent, helpful player who is very capable on both ends of the floor.
1⃣2⃣ per Tokyo
— Italbasket (@Italbasket) July 6, 2021
Meo ha deciso il roster che si raduna a Roma il 12/07 prima di partire per il Giappone.
Terminati gli impegni NBA, si unisce @gallinari8888. Lascia il gruppo @AwuduAbass, che non possiamo non ringraziare per quanto fatto fino al Preolimpico. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/c160sNSwou
Gallinari joins fellow NBA players Nico Mannion from the Golden State Warriors and Nicolo Melli of the Dallas Mavericks on the nation’s roster. Italy is in Group B along with Australia, Germany and Nigeria. They will play their first game vs. Germany on July 25. They will then matchup with Australia on July 28 and then Nigeria on July 31.
Gallinari stated Sunday morning in his exit interview with local media that, “if the coach and the federation will give me the chance to go to the Olympics...I will be honored to be a part of that team.” Italy beat Serbia Sunday afternoon to clinch their Olympic berth, and Gallinari has since been named to the roster.
Gallinari is the only member of the Hawks currently heading to the Olympics.