Knicks: Projecting the 2021 starting lineup with LaMelo Ball as PG

Projecting the Knicks’ 2021 starting small forward: Danilo Gallinari

Adding a shooter to their frontcourt, like Danilo Gallinari, might be the most important piece the Knicks need to secure this offseason. If they somehow land LaMelo Ball in the draft, the rest of their lineup screams for shooting, as they reserve spots for their other two young core pieces in R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.

Gallinari hasn’t officially been linked to the Knicks, but we know the team is looking for a forward who can shoot, and the pending free agent recently said he would be open to returning to New York.

While Gallo has played mostly at the four in recent seasons, he was part of the Clippers’ most efficient lineups in 2017-18 playing small forward next to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. He has extensive experience as a wing player. We will discuss in a minute why he might start at the three before playing a bigger position later in games.

The former Knicks lottery pick is shooting 40.9% from downtown this season, after connecting on a career-high 43.3% of threes last year. He represents the shooting New York desperately needs. And he should be attainable in the open market.