3 Backup power forward options Knicks can explore after Obi Toppin trade

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks walks across the court in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Danilo Gallinari, New York Knicks. (Photo by Eddy LEMAISTRE/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Option 2: Knicks bring back Danilo Gallinari

Look, I understand that Danilo Gallinari is coming up on age 34, has torn his ACL multiple times, and will not be able to replace Obi Toppin’s agility when on the floor. However, if Leon Rose does decide to come to terms with the 14-year NBA vet, he will help contribute to a major hole that New York needs to fill: three-point shooting.

For his career, Gallinari is a 38.2% shooter from long distance. In fact, his shooting ability hasn’t diminished as he’s gotten older, it actually has ‘aged like fine wine.’ Over his last four seasons with the Clippers, Thunder, and Hawks, Gallinari has shot 40.6% from downtown, and the league average in 2022-2023 was 37.7%.

Sure, you could argue that the Knicks already have their shooter in Evan Fournier, and that could very well be correct.

Fournier broke a Knicks franchise record in 2021-2022 for the most threes made in one season with 241 but was out of the rotation for the majority of 2022-2023 due to his lack of defensive ability. Additionally, Fournier has expressed his desire to be traded so the likelihood he’s staying in NYC is slim to none.

At this point, Gallinari is a low-risk, high-reward. If he pans out, great. If he hurts the team, we know Thibs won’t hesitate to let him ride the bench for the duration of the year.

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