New York Knicks: Why They Should Trade Danilo Gallinari
As a Knicks fan, I have a love-hate relationship with Danilo Gallinari.
On many nights, he comes out flat, and others he lights it up.
Many contend that Gallinari should be given more time in New York as he is just 22 years old and should continue to blossom.
I know that many will disagree with this list, and last year, I wouldn't even have let this thought cross my mind, but this year, I have been convinced, Danilo Gallinari should be traded by the New York Knicks.
Shot Selection
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Although Gallinari's scoring is up slightly from last year, (even without watching a game) it is easy to tell that he is not making or taking his shots the way he needs to.
Gallo is known as a very good three-point shooter. However, he is attempting the fewest threes per game in his short NBA career, as well as shooting the lowest three-point percentage of his career.
What does that say?
It says that he's not shooting at the right time and not making his shots when he needs to.
Having watched nearly every Knicks game this season, I can say confidently that Gallo really has pretty poor shot selection.
Inconsistency
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On some nights, (far too many), Danilo comes out flat, with no hustle, no intensity and no energy. But on those same nights, at a certain point in the game, something will hit him, and he becomes unstoppable—the most intense, passionate player on the floor.
But, that just won't cut it.
Maybe that's just the way he plays, but that's not the kind of player I would want on my team.
Yes, the ability to get red-hot in a matter of seconds is coveted and pretty hard to find around the league.
But the superstars who are known for their ability to take over games are able to remain competitive and score even when they're not on fire.
It is just too often that Gallo is barely a part of the game.
Brains (or Lack There of)
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Gallinari is, in fact, crafty beyond his years. He has been getting to the line with ease lately, drawing fouls well and has even begun to get some veteran calls.
However, when Danilo hears the whistle, he throws the ball at the basket with absolutely no intention of putting it in.
This may not sound like such a bad thing; you might be thinking that he is making sure he is in the shooting motion at the time of the foul.
But, I can assure you, if Gallinari played smarter, he would put up a real shot. And a lot of the time, it would go in.
(Also file shot selection here as well).
Coach Mike
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Although not Gallinari's fault, he has become coach Mike D'Antoni's pet.
He can do no wrong in the eyes of D'Antoni, (at least, his wrong is not reflected in his playing time).
No matter what, with D'Antoni, Gallo will play major minutes, never be taught defense and probably not learn the post play he was supposed to be capable of growing into.
Gallinari's playing time, especially when he's doing poorly, gets in the way of other players getting an opportunity to prove themselves and help the team.
It would be better for both parties, if Gallinari and D'Antoni are separated.
Upside
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The Italian import is just 22 and in what some consider to be his second "real" season in the NBA (see 2008 injury).
Gallinari grew between 1-2 inches (to the 6'10" he is now) just between the time he was drafted and the time that the 2008-09 season started.
He is young, and he is still gaining muscle and experience. He will continue to learn the game for years to come. And there are many teams in the league more than willing to sign up for a young, 6'10" small forward.
Talent and Trade Value
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There's no denying it, Danilo Gallinari's basketball ability is extremely impressive.
He has:
-Unlimited range
-Post player height
-Backcourt handles
-A fantastic touch from downtown
-The ability to get to the basket
-The ability to get the free-throw line
There are very few players in the league who has all of these assets. Not to mention at the ripe old age of 22.
Gallo's trade value is through the roof.
Anthony/Chandler
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With the Knicks in hot pursuit of All-Star small forward Carmelo Anthony, there is no reason to keep Gallinari.
In fact, if it gets the deal done, I would put Gallo in a trade for Anthony, let Chandler's contract run out and sign a serviceable big man and a backup PG.
If it takes Chandler to get Anthony, then I would trade Gallinari as well, for some post help, a backup PG and a pick if I could squeeze it out.
If the Knicks can't get a deal done with Denver and have to wait for the offseason to get Anthony, I would trade Chandler before the deadline, then trade Gallinari after signing Anthony.
Absolute best case scenario, Gallinari turns out to be as good as Melo. Chances are he won't be as good as Anthony, but there is even less of a chance that he will ever be better than Denver's star forward.
Summary
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Danilo Gallinari is inconsistent, has poor shot selection, can do no wrong by the coaching staff and has very high trade value.
I see little reason to keep him.
I know that Gallinari will continue to improve and will be very good one day, but I feel the Knicks can get more from him by trading, than they can by keeping him.
Especially with the talk of Carmelo Anthony going to New York, Gallo seems nonessential to the Knicks' future.
No matter where Gallinari ends up, I wish him well, I just hope that he ends up somewhere besides New York.
P.S. I'm sure that many disagree with me; feel free to leave your comments and debate.
