NBA Trade Rumors: Should the Denver Nuggets Trade Danilo Gallinari?
Now that the Melo-drama is over, former sixth overall pick from the 2008 draft, Danilo Gallinari, will suit up for the Denver Nuggets.
The 6'10" small forward was rumored to still be a trade target, even though he was just traded.
However, the Nuggets appear content with building around the budding Italian star.
The Nuggets would be wise to hang onto Gallinari, and here are five reasons why.
5. Youth
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Danilo Gallinari is only 22 years old.
While most 22-year-olds are just beginning their NBA careers, Gallinari already has played professional basketball for eight seasons.
Granted, five of those seasons came in Italy, but it still has given him the experience of a seasoned veteran.
He is the type of player that a franchise like the Denver Nuggets can build around for years to come.
4. Experience Playing in New York
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As Frank Sinatra sang about New York: "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere."
Gallinari's experience playing in New York will certainly benefit him as he begins his career in Denver.
In 2008, Gallinari was the highly touted first-round pick, and he tried desperately to live up to the hype.
He missed time due to injury his first year, but he rebounded nicely in 2009, cracking the starting lineup early in the season.
Gallinari will be looked at as one of the leaders of the new-look Nuggets, especially if they deal J.R. Smith or Nene before the trade deadline.
3. Enjoying a Break-Out Year
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Before the trade, it seemed as though Gallinari was finally coming into his own.
He was averaging career-highs with 15.9 points and 34.8 minutes per game. He also pulled down 4.8 rebounds per game, similar to his 4.9 career-high.
He was starting to live up to the potential of a first-round pick. The Knicks may regret dealing Gallinari if continues to develop into the player the Knicks though he can be.
Then again, the Knicks did just get Carmelo Anthony.
2. Central Focus Of Denver's Offense
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With the trade, the Nuggets starting lineup will be made up of some combination of the following:
C Nene, PF Kenyon Martin/Wilson Chandler, SF Danilo Gallinari, SG Arron Afflalo, PG Raymond Felton/Ty Lawson
Based on these players, Gallinari becomes one of the main go-to options now that Melo is in the Big Apple.
Gallinari is the type of player that can go through spurts of instant offense, and Denver will need this source considering they lost one of the most prolific scorers in their franchise's history.
In New York, Gallinari was a second thought on offense due to the presence of Amar'e Stoudemire.
1. Deadly From Three-Point Range
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Gallinari's smooth shooting stroke makes him a terrific three-point shooter.
He has a quick release which allows him to get off quick shots, many of which find the bottom of the net.
For his career, Gallinari has shot 37.7 percent from beyond the arc. His ceiling is very high to further improve his shooting.
His shooting ability is what caught the Knicks' attention in the first place.
Gallinari "takes his talents" to Denver where he will continue draining three-pointers when he dons the baby blue.
