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Danilo Gallinari’s recovery from knee surgery continues to progress across the Atlantic.

As part of Gallinari’s rehabilitation program, Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess traveled to Italy to work with the Denver forward. Gallinari missed the 2013-14 season while recovering from a torn ACL, but is on track to return next season.

Gallinari and Hess have developed a strong relationship since Gallinari arrived in Denver in February 2011. In past seasons, Hess and Nuggets assistant coaches have flown to Italy to touch base with him during the offseason.

Gallinari was cleared for basketball activities in May and planned to practice with the Italian national team this summer. He will not take part in the 2014 FIBA World Cup as he keeps his focus on returning for Denver’s training camp in October.

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Nuggets strength coach Steve Hess makes overseas house call

In his first year as Nuggets coach, Brian Shaw drastically scaled back his on-the-court workouts with the players.

There were just too many other obligations on his schedule, and he needed to delegate hands-on instruction among his assistants.

Shaw’s left knee had a say in the matter as well.

Hobbled by pain that had him limping on the sideline late in the season, Shaw is recovering from arthroscopic surgery to remove loose articles from the knee. He avoided surgery during his 15-year playing career – 14 seasons in the NBA and one in Italy.

“I had been putting it off,” he said. “I went ahead and got it done. I’m still doing my rehab and everything, but it feels great and I’m not experiencing any pain or other symptoms.”

Throughout the season, Shaw jumped into half-court drills with his players to emphasize the point he wanted to make. Those occurrences became less frequent as the pain in his knee became more acute.

With three Denver players – Danilo Gallinari, J.J. Hickson and Nate Robinson – recovering from knee surgery, Shaw saw a motivational opportunity while in the weight room doing his rehab.

“I kind of told them a little fib,” he said. “I told them, ‘I did this on purpose, so I can see what it’s like to go through this rehab process. You guys know I’m with you, so there’s no excuse. If I can push through all this stuff, then you can, too.’ ”

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Nuggets coach Brian Shaw recovering from knee surgery

While answering questions on draft night, Nuggets general manager/executive vice president of basketball operations Tim Connelly noted that each of Denver’s injured players is at least a month ahead of schedule.

After missing all but five games last season with a stress fracture in his left tibia, McGee said he is pain-free as he continues his rehabilitation program under the guidance of strength-and-conditioning coach Steve Hess and athletic trainer Dan Shimensky.

When McGee was initially sidelined last November, he didn’t realize the severity of the injury. After trying to let the bone heal on its own, he opted for surgery on Feb. 20.

“I definitely didn’t think it was that serious, but it was,” he said. “I got the surgery, so I should be back pretty soon."

McGee’s absence created an opportunity for fellow 7-footer Timofey Mozgov, who averaged 9.4 point and 6.4 rebounds – both career-bests.

Coach Brian Shaw often joked with McGee, saying “Timo’s coming for you,” and McGee said he is looking forward to battling for the starting job in training camp.

“It was great seeing Timo out there playing hard,” he said. “There will be more competition when I come back, and whoever plays better gets the job. It’s that simple.”

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Nuggets center JaVale McGee enjoying pain-free recovery from leg injury

As Nuggets forward J.J. Hickson limped off the court on March 21 in Dallas, he refused to believe he had torn the ACL in his right knee.

An MRI soon confirmed the diagnosis and Hickson had surgery four days later.

Two months into his recovery, Hickson is attacking his rehab with the same ferocity he attacks the glass.

“My rehab is going great,” he said. “I’ve got a good spirit about myself right now. I’m in a good place … I don’t think I was ever down. It still hasn’t hit me that I tore my ACL, but I know what I’m dealing with and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Working with Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess, assistant athletic trainer Dan Shimensky, assistant strength and conditioning coach Felipe Eichenberger and physical therapist Michael Keirns, Hickson is following a detailed recovery plan.

“I do what they tell me,” Hickson said. “I don’t ask any questions. I trust those guys and I follow their lead.”

Recovery from ACL surgery varies for each individual. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson returned to the field less than 10 months after surgery, while Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose needed 18 months. Hundreds of athletes have fallen somewhere in between.

Citing an unnamed league source, a reporter in Portland recently posted a tweet saying Hickson was eyeing a January return. Hickson bristled at the projection.

“That’s false,” he said. “I’m looking to be ready for training camp. If not, definitely before the season starts.”

Hickson reiterated that he will follow the schedule set out by the athletic training staff. He currently can shoot free throws and he hopes to begin running on an antigravity treadmill within the next few weeks.

After signing with the Nuggets as a free agent last summer, Hickson posted 26 double-doubles and averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 69 games. He set a career-high with 24 rebounds at Golden State on Jan. 15 and then grabbed 25 boards against Portland on Feb. 25.

The performance against Portland took place in the first game after Timofey Mozgov replaced Hickson in the starting lineup.

“My maturity kicked in,” Hickson said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help this team. We all have to have the same goal. The coaching staff is doing a great job letting us know what they want from us individually and as a team. It’s up to us to go out there and handle business.”

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Hickson pleased with progress in recovery from knee surgery

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