We come bearing good news with respect to Oklahoma City Thunder veteran swingman Danilo Gallinari and his recent medical procedure. Basketball insider Emiliano Carchia provided an update on the 30-year-old's status following an appendectomy, and it appears that the Italian is expected to return to action within a week's time.

All signs are pointing to Gallinari being fit enough to return to action for the Italian national squad in time for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, which kicks off on August 31 in China. Italy will be banking on the availability of the former sixth overall pick, with Gallinari being the most prominent name in the lineup. San Antonio Spurs veteran Marco Belinelli is the only other NBA player on the Italian team.

As for his NBA career, Gallinari will be entering the season with his new team, the Thunder, after he was shipped off to Oklahoma as part of the blockbuster Paul George trade. Gallo actually lands in a rather uncertain situation in OKC, with the Thunder looking to focus on youth development moving forward.

The Italian will be on the final year of his contract in the coming season, and he is expected to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. This means that this is going to be a very important year for Danilo Gallinari, as he hopes to up his stock in what should be a rather dry free agent market next July.