Danilo Gallinari, New York Knicks F, Could Miss Three Weeks With Knee Sprain
Danilo Gallinari could miss the next two to three weeks after an MRI revealed a mild knee sprain, according to the New York Post.
The Knicks’ sharpshooting Italian forward has been the focus of many trade rumors as the New York Knicks continue to ponder packages for Denver Nuggets superstar forward Carmelo Anthony.
Injury is the reason many felt that the Knicks should have pounced on a deal for Anthony a few weeks ago when the Knicks were cruising on their win streak, which was snapped by the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
Gallinari has been a solid player but it remains to be seen if he will truly morph into the next Dirk Nowitzki, which is what Knicks management is hoping for if they don’t use Gallinari to bait the Nuggets into trading Anthony prior to the February trade deadline.
The Knicks cannot afford to push Gallinari and thus shutting him down until he is healthy is the only reasonable solution with the knee injury.
Management and Knicks nation have to hope Gallinari does not do any further damage to the knee as they could risk losing both Gallinari and any hopes of acquiring Anthony.
Gallinari is currently averaging close to 35 minutes per game, a career high.
His field goal and three-point shooting percentages are 41.6 and 37.0, slightly down from last year’s 42.3 and 38.1 percent, respectively.
His free throw percentage has increased significantly from 81.8 percent last year to 87.9 percent this year.
He is matching last year’s averages with 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
This is just another reason why many are claiming the Knicks should part ways with Gallinari for the proven Anthony.
Gallinari isn’t exceeding expectations, while Anthony paired with MVP candidate Amar’e Stoudemire would strike fear in opposing teams.
As it stands, Gallinari is still part of this Knicks squad and is still in the plans for the future. It is going to be difficult to replace Gallinari’s shooting potential in the lineup for the next two to three weeks.
If the Knicks slump, things could go either way. Fans and management will either see just how important Gallinari is to the team or they will panic and ship Gallinari across the country to Denver for Anthony if possible.
