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New York Knicks: Why a Danilo Gallinari reunion makes sense

By Adam Kester

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Danilo Gallinari
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 04: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots over Alfonzo McKinnie #28 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 04, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Offensive Dynamo

The Knicks’ woes on offense this season have been well-documented. The culprits have included mediocre playmaking from their guards, a lack of floor spacing, and poor perimeter shooting. Gallinari can immediately help with the latter two.

The Knicks, as a team, are shooting 33.7 percent from three on the season, the 4th lowest mark in the NBA. Gallo is shooting 40.9 percent from downtown this season, on a whopping 7.4 attempts per game.

The Knicks current roster of forwards (including RJ Barrett) are shooting just 31 percent from beyond the arc. Clearly, Gallinari would be a significant upgrade.

What gives Italian native even more value, aside from his shooting, is the fact that he can create his own shot effectively. Shooting may be Gallinari’s forte, but he has the ability to drive through contact and draw fouls. His 1.8 drives per game are around league average, but he’s able to draw a foul on 15.7 percent of his attempts, the best among any wing player in the league.

Gallinari is also a smart decision-maker on offense. While he isn’t much of a pick-and-roll ball handler or passer, he doesn’t try to force bad passes.

His usage percentage is 24.0 percent, slightly higher than players like RJ Barrett, Shai Gigleous-Alexander, and Tobias Harris. Despite his relatively high usage rate, Gallinari’s 1.3 turnovers per game are among the lowest of any forward with a usage rate over 20 percent.

Often times, when the ball gets into the hands of a Knicks’ forwards like Kevin Knox or Julius Randle, it means the possession will likely result in a turnover.

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