Nets' Bargnani hoping to play for Italy Wednesday after suffering calf injury
Andrea Bargnani's "fresh start" with the Brooklyn Nets is still a possibility, with the power forward downplaying a recent injury.
"Il Mago" suffered a calf injury in Italy's Sunday victory over Israel, which allowed Italy to advance to the quarterfinals at EuroBasket 2015. Bargnani was set to undergo evaluation for what was believed to be a minor injury - a necessary precaution since he has a history of calf injuries - but tweeted Monday that he's hoping to play in Wednesday's game against Lithuania.
Qui non si molla mai e si va avanti con la fisioterapia per provare ad esserci mercoledì. Grazie sempre di esserci!
— Andrea Bargnani (@AndreaBargnani) September 14, 2015
Bargnani says he's working with physios and hopes to play Wednesday. https://t.co/vGoNmgCJoE
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) September 14, 2015
The Italian team has impressed so far in the tournament, thanks in part to Bargnani's efficient scoring. In six games, he's averaged 12.7 points in 20.8 minutes while shooting 54.2 percent from the floor and 6-of-11 from outside. He's also chipped in 3.7 rebounds and one block per game.
The Nets signed Bargnani to a reported two-year deal this offseason, hoping a lack of pressure on the former No. 1 pick could give him the head space to thrive. He'll also need to stay healthy, as he's missed an average of 38.2 games per season over the last five years.
His 3-point shot also abandoned him for most of that stretch, rendering his scoring somewhat inefficient. Still, Bargnani was quietly successful in 29 games for the New York Knicks last season, averaging 14.8 points on 45.4-percent shooting and knocking down 36.6 percent of his outside looks. Over his nine-year career, he has averaged 15 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks.
Bargnani also injured his right ankle in an exhibition game in late August.