Off the Court with Danilo Gallinari

Sep 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is interviewed during media day at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday night, Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari returned to the court and proved he’s made huge strides in recovering from a torn ACL that sidelined him last season, dropping 17 points on the Phoenix Suns in 14 minutes of action. It was great to see Gallinari back on the court in a Nuggets uniform, and I know Nuggets fans are expecting big things from him this season.

During the offseason, Gallinari spent some time in New York with VICE Sports, talking about his connection to New York, what he’s been doing during his time away from basketball, and his burgeoning interests in becoming a restaurateur.

The best moment comes around the 2:20 mark when a random New Yorker asks Gallinari why he left the Knicks. Without missing a beat, he responds, “You guys kicked me out!” Check out the full piece below:

http://youtu.be/vJY_DB8j5ho

It’s always great to learn more about players and their interests outside of the game, and Gallinari comes across as a pretty laid back guy with a real passion for food. I can’t wait to see him back in the mix with the Nuggets this year.