NBA Draft 2008: Danilo Gallinari

While the name Danilo Gallinari may not ring a bell with the casual basketball fan, there are many scouts who definitely know who the kid is and are wishing he will be available when it's their time to pick in this year's NBA Draft.

Born in Italy, the 6'9" Gallinari has played tremendously in the European League and is ready for his shot in the NBA. Known as a crafty player, Gallinari has the ability to score pretty much at will and will get to the basket more often than not. He has an above average jump shot for a small forward and has the ability to score from beyond the arc. He is a confident player that will get to the free throw line because of his ability to draw contact and will not shy away from any physical play.

There are a few concerns NBA teams have with Gallinari. One is his body size. He is rather thin compared to NBA standards, and teams will be able to push him around until he hits the weight room. Another concern is his lack of defense. He lacks overall quickness and athleticism and as a result, his defense is below average.

Gallinari would fit the New York Knicks almost perfectly. Gallinari's father was a former teammate with current head coach Mike D'Antoni and would fit D'Antoni's style of run and gun offense. The only negative to the selection would be the fact that the Knicks pick at the number 6 slot and it would be too high of a pick for a player of Gallinari's talent.

If not the Knicks, Gallinari would be a great addition to the young Portland Trailblazers at pick 13 and compliment Brandon Roy and Greg Oden quite nicely. If not Portland, Golden State may take him at the 14th pick and move Al Harrington to Power Forward, in return forming a nice frontcourt for the Warriors.

The worst-case scenario is if Gallinari falls to pick 15 to the Suns. While he would not help their defense and Coach Porter's philosophy, he would be another scoring threat and be too good to pass up.

Danilo Gallinari is a slasher and a scorer who lacks defense and the quickness to become a perennial all-star. That said, he can shoot and will help a team in need of scoring immediately.

Source:

NBA Draftnet, "NBA Draftnet - Danilo Gallinari."