clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Andrea Bargnani leaves Eurobasket game with calf injury

By Net Income
FIBA via Brooklyn Nets

Andrea Bargnani, who's been troubled with calf injuries the last three years, left Sunday's Eurobasket game with a similar issue and until further tests are completed, it's "unknown" whether he can play in the European quarter finals. Italy will play Lithuania Wednesday.

"He suffered a muscle problem. Tomorrow he will be evaluated and we’ll know if he can play in the quarterfinals," said Italian national team coach Simone Pianigiani. Italy has already lost Luigi Datome who played for the Celtics last season.

Bargnani, who continued his solid play in the first half, limped to the bench in the second quarter and was treated in the Italian national team locker room, then returned to the bench in the second half, but did not play.  The seven-footer has been troubled by his calf for the past two seasons, missing significant time with the Knicks last season and before that with the Raptors, beginning in 2012

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Raptors, Bargnani averaged 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game during a breakout 2010-11 season. Since then, he has never played in more than 42 games in a season. Much of that lost time has been due to leg issues, particularly the calf.

Bargnani had scored seven points in the game, a blowout 30-point victory over Israel before going down. Prior to Sunday's game, Bargnani had played well in Eurobasket, averaging 14 points a game and being among the tournament leaders in blocked shots and shooting percentage.

The Nets signed Bargnani to a two-year vets minimum deal in July, with the second year a player option.

More From NetsDaily