The Denver Nuggets will head into the 2025-26 campaign with a lot of depth on the roster. Having made some significant moves in the offseason, the Nuggets are also viewed as one of the favorites to advance from the Western Conference.
While this is impressive, the team could always look to secure flexibility on its roster, especially as a means of avoiding injury or having insurance and backup in key positions.
On this note, one potential free agent option that Denver could consider is veteran forward Danilo Gallinari.
He last played in the NBA during the 2023-24 season with the Washington Wizards, the Detroit Pistons, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Recently, while speaking with Pianeta Basket's Iacopo De Santis, Gallinari revealed that he would be open to the idea of making an NBA comeback. He said:
" I always hope so. If I were to return, it would be as a veteran, kind of like insurance for a franchise. I wouldn’t play much and would serve as a helpful presence.”
After leaving the NBA, Gallinari spent his last season playing in the Puerto Rican league.
The Italian forward found a lot of success in Puerto Rico, where he helped Vaqueros de Bayamon win the league title. Gallinari was also named the Finals MVP after recording 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the game.
Now 37 years old, Gallinari is aware of how limited he would be for the team. But having a player like him provides valuable experience and depth in the event of injuries.
When considering Aaron Gordon's injury during the playoffs last season, it is safe to say that the Nuggets' performance dropped significantly once he fell out of the rotation.
Given the limitations of the roster at the time, Denver struggled to make up for Gordon's production. While it is unlikely that Gallinari would be unable to recreate this, his experience in such situations could still be considered valuable.
The forward has also proven himself to be extremely skilled on the offensive front. Although he's 6'10", the forward's greatest asset has been his floor-spacing ability and crafty passing skills. Given the demand for stretch big men, Gallinari could easily carve out a role for himself as a third big man.
In the 2023-24 season, he posted an average of 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds, while shooting 43.7% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. While these aren't eye-catching figures, in the 2025 season of the Puerto Rican league, Gallinari recorded averages of 19.3 points and 6.0 rebounds, on shooting splits of 49.7% on two-point field goals, 38.2% from three-point range, and 86.1% from the free-throw line.
While there is an argument to be made about the difference in competition, the fact that he played 32.2 minutes per game suggests that he could still be productive deep off the bench.
Aside from his contributions as a player, there could be added merit for the Nuggets from a sentimental point of view. Signing a fan-favorite could be great for morale.
The Italian had some of the best years of his career in Denver, having spent his prime with the team. With an average of 16.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game over the course of six seasons with the Nuggets, the forward emerged as a valuable contributor for the team.
While there is very little scope for him to be a key contributor at this stage, he would undoubtedly have value in the team's locker room. But given his history with injuries, the team may also be reluctant to extend an offer to him.
Aside from a move to the NBA, Gallinari has also been contemplating a return to Italy, primarily to play for the team he started his basketball career with, Olimpia Milano. Unfortunately, due to the lack of demand from Milan, the forward can only remain optimistic about future possibilities.
Can The Nuggets Win It All Next Season?
With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray at the helm, the Nuggets have been a threat in the West. But with the arrival of players such as Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, Denver could even make it all the way next season.
The depth on this roster is beyond impressive, and adding a capable two-way threat like Johnson to the starting rotation could be a huge boost to the strength of their lineup.
In addition to this, the Nuggets also have some reliable role players coming off the bench. Overall, the team has all the right components to succeed. Injuries are the only real concern. To address this, Denver must do its best to ensure that the players in backup roles are always ready to go at a moment's notice.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us onGoogle News. We appreciate your support.