8.8.88 - The birth of Danilo Gallinari
August 19, 2008 by Tobias · 2 Comments
He was born on 08/08/1988, so this could have been Daniel Gallinari’s summer, according to the numerology of the Chinese Olympics. Instead, Team Italy is not on court to defend its Athens’ silver medal and with only a European qualifying group to face, Gallinari is not lacking for time to think about and prepare himself for his next experience in NBA.
Drafted by New York Knicks with sixth overall pick, Gallinari received a mass of boos from his future fans, but the current feeling from Italian sources is that Gallinari will unlikely see a rookie season like his fellow countrymen Bargnani and Belinelli.
Gallinari is coming off two great seasons with Armani Jeans Milano, where he represented, at the age of 19, a basic player: He has the “right face” and the temperament to be decisive in very different situations; he fits perfectly into every team system; he has the skills to play NBA ball much more than other European and inexperienced guys. What about his role on floor and on Knicks’ playbook? Gallinari is a pure small forward, a wing with the talent to score from anywhere and create his own shot; his height has thus far allowed him to dominate smaller opponents; and his toughness and ability to finish through contact is not at all in doubt. Good hesitation moves, body control, mid-range game, and above all his decision-making, consistency and leadership make you wonder if Gallinari is indeed only 20.
He drove Milano to Serie A’s semifinals in the last two years, becoming the key player on a team whose best elements were Kiwane Garris, Travis Watson, Ansu Sesay and Melvin Booker – Surely not your fantasy players. Gallinari was Serie A MVP in 2007/2008 and also won the Euroleague’s Rising Star trophy. Since his debut three years ago for Italian second division team Pavia, he has played many more games than other prospects and at the top European level: This is the primary reason why, when we speak of Gallinari, the first thought goes to the team he will find, not to the way he’ll get used to it.
There they are, the New York Knicks. In the starting lane of a new era, they look like a team which can’t dream so much of high aspirations – not with the current roster – but the possibility of reaching 35 wins isn’t remote, because Mike D’Antoni is a strong guarantee. Seeking buyers for Randolph and trying to help Marbury straighten up, the former Suns’ coach will give Gallinari the chance to show his talent, and not only because his father Vittorio was a reliable teammate in Milano in the 1980s, but specially because the SF spot is not filled very well: Quentin Richardson can’t complete a season without injuries, Jared Jeffries knows only the defense.
Truly, Gallinari is not the problem solver, but the impact he might have in the Big Apple should not be underestimated. He can represent another offensive option besides Crawford and Curry/Randolph, bring energy in the court, and provide a scoring boost off the bench. Moreover, Gallinari has a feel for the game and a basketball IQ uncommon in NBA among non-American players. Right now, Gallinari is a rookie, but the selection is more than a project. He has to improve many aspects of his game – footwork against faster guards; three-point shooting, specifically his slow release; left hand; protection of the ball in the paint – to become a NBA star, and someone must worry about his repeated injuries (right leg fibula, right knee ligament, right shoulder, back) of the last two years.
On the other hand, Gallinari enjoys the confidence of D’Antoni and the hole the Knicks have at SF is too tempting not to take advantage of. New York fans shouldn’t expect 20 points per game from Gallinari, but the contribution he can make to the franchise is not worthless. They must know that the Italian is perhaps the readiest pick of the entire draft, including Derrick Rose and O.J. Mayo. Perhaps he’ll dunk rarely, but he’ll make people speak about him. And the whistles will be vague reminiscences.
This article has been written by Francesco Cappelletti.
The Rookie Wall
Everyone knows about the “rookie wall,” that second year in the NBA which often seems impossible to get through for some rookies. Andrea Bargnani hit the wall, and it’s what probably might happen to Marco Belinelli. The cases of the two Italians are, in some ways, of the same mold, and this is not great news.
Bargnani, first overall pick in the 2006 Draft, has just find out how difficult adapting to an NBA team, NBA rules and the NBA way of life is. A reserved, shy guy, Bargnani was stunned by the lights of the pro world and confused when he put on the Toronto Raptors jersey. According to Bryan Colangelo and Maurizio Gherardini’s intentions, Bargnani should have been the starting power forward for the next ten years, but the choice has been shown to be wrong: A rookie season of 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and sad 42% field goal shooting, statistics not good enough for a number one pick, turned to a tragic second season in whom Bargnani saw his playing time (from 25.1 to 23.9 minutes), points (10.2), rebounds (3.7) and shooting percentage (38%) decline.
How this was possible? Obviously, the Italian 7’ combo-forward got used to Toronto, knew his teammates better, knew the NBA better … but the rookie wall came all the same. It’s hard to say if a reason for this devolution was Sam Mitchell, but this is probably one reason: The 2006-2007 BA Coach of the Year has never trusted Bargnani, feeling as though the Italian were imposed on the new management. Bargnani’s insubstantiality in the paint made the (negative) difference: The starting power-forward spot is well filled by an All-Star like Chris Bosh, and Mitchell sees in Bargnani only a center. But Bargnani hasn’t the weight, the moves, and the defensive ability to stay with big men, and thus the experiment with Bargnani existing somewhere between the bench and the starting five was a complete failure.
Now, Toronto has taken the opportunity to give to Bosh serious help in the line as Jermaine O’Neal comes to Air Canada Centre. The move is a clear signal to Bargnani: Marking the first change in big men (though possibly the last, as Nesterovic is now a Pacer, and Jawai is still immature) and with a contract entered its final year at $5.1 million with a team option in 2009-2010, this is Bargnani’s last chance to show his aptitude. Otherwise, his Canadian experience risks ending.
Marco Belinelli is in a similar situation, but his future is much brighter than Bargnani’s. The elements are the same: a young talented Italian player coming from many solid seasons in the Italian national league and the Euroleague, an exciting shooter endowed with an impressive temperament. Unfortunately, the trouble makes Belinelli akin to Bargnani is represented by the coach: In this case, his name is Don Nelson.
Famous for leaving rookies on the injured list or in the D-League, Nelson stated after the Summer League 2007 that Belinelli was “going to get many minutes next season,” but the words don’t match the facts: The former Fortitudo Bologna shooting guard played 7.3 minutes per in 33 games, scoring 2.9 points per game. Knowing Nelson, nobody must be surprised. This July, Belinelli was back on the Warriors’ Summer League roster. With thoughts of many returning to the previous summer, when the former no. 18 overall impressed everyone, he notched 17.8 points per game, with an encouraging 37% three-point shooting percentage. Is the future really changing for Belinelli?
Longing to show his real ability, the guy has taken this first difficult season as a year of training to fill in the gaps between some aspects of his game (particularly on the defense, but also physically) and that of other NBA players. If this feeling is true, Belinelli shouldn’t have too many problems finding minutes in the Warriors’ rotations, because he’s clearing not lacking in offensive talent. Even more, a revolution has undergone in the Golden State guard department, suggesting more frequent and better use of the Italian boy.
Belinelli will begin next season as Corey Maggette’s substitute, figuring a “fast and furious” starting five with PG Monta Ellis, Maggette at shooting guard, SF Stephen Jackson, PF Al Harrington, and center Andris Biedrins. On the bench, Marcus Williams and Kelenna Azubuike (the Warriors matched the Clippers’ offer for the English restricted free agent) are standouts, while Anthony Randolph still remains unevolved as a small forward. Not simple, but Belinelli has the quality to come out.
The rookie wall still stands there, as does Don Nelson again. But time is running short. The “Italian Stallion,” Danilo Gallinari, is ready to shine, and Belinelli and Bargnani don’t want to be left behind.
This article has been written by Francesco Cappelletti.
While others are arriving in Beijing…
August 5, 2008 by Christophe · 1 Comment
… France and Italy, the two last Olympic Silver Medal winners, are preparing their Eurobasket 2009 qualification in Bormio and faced off for yet another test game tonight. And the least one could say is that it was bad.
Thank god Gallinari didn’t get 37
If you’re into basketball, you know where this is going. Last year, Italian player Marco Belinelli scored 36 points in his first NBA summer league game. Great, isn’t it?
I’m pretty sure that every single Knicks fan and every Italian basketball fan is glad that Danilo Gallinari did not score 37 points this afternoon.
Why? Remember Marco Belinelli’s performance after his summer league games? Well, Marco’s first year ended up to be a nightmare.
Danilo scored 14 points and even came back from a horrible start, when the first Knicks fans probably already had signs to hold up at the first New York Knicks home game - with messages like “Told you so!” - written.
What does this summer league play in Las Vegas actually mean? NOTHING - It is so meaningless that it is not broadcast on TV (just some local stations show their home team’s games) and not one important player besides the rookies will be on the floor. We’ll have to wait for the regular season to start to see what Gallinari will be able to do, but we Europeans already know that he will have an impact in New York, right?
Monday’s cigarettes
June 30, 2008 by Christophe · 1 Comment
The European Leagues have finished play and the transfer season is in full effect. I will give you few interesting reads that have nothing to do with players changing teams. Well, at least I’ll try…
The Euro Draft explained to Americans
June 27, 2008 by Christophe · 13 Comments
The NBA Draft is the yearly rendez-vous in which US basketball fans and commentators believe that the whole future of “their” team can change. But it’s also the place where such uncommon names like Manu Ginobili or Dirk Nowitzki get selected in total anonymity. And with the according reactions.
Five early European entrants for 2008 NBA Draft
June 18, 2008 by Christophe · Leave a Comment
Five young European players have put their name into the big basket of draftable players for this year. The quintet is now among a long list of players who could hear their name called by David Stern on June 26th during the NBA Draft in Madison Square Garden.
Wednesday Rumors
June 17, 2008 by Tobias · 3 Comments
If you are really trying to provide readers with good stuff, the basketball off-season is probably more interesting and even busier than the actual season itself.
For this reason, we decided to provide you with the latest rumors out there regarding European basketball and European players. To make it more interesting, we’ll let you know what we think about these rumors…
Danilo Gallinari will go to New York next year.
We have been talking about this from day one more as a joke than not, since the real reason to draft Gallinari cannot be just because his father played with the Knicks head coach back in the day, right? Oh well, look at Luke Walton: Sometimes Dad does help. Since Gallinari is in the US to work out with some teams, he also stopped in New Jersey to work out with the Nets. It looks like the Nets told Gallinari that they would certainly take him if still available when the Nets’ time to draft arrives. The Nets will choose at no. 10 in the first round, while the Knicks are sixth. One reason why the Knicks might not take Gallinari is that they are seeking some experience and might trade away the first-round pick.
Given the facts, the chance that Gallinari will be drafted by the Knicks: 
Fran Vazquez will leave FC Barcelona and enter the NBA next season.
Fran was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2005 draft. Since then, the Magic wanted to bring him over, as they have again asked him this year. Spanish website sports.es tell us that Vazquez will continue to play for FC Barcelona next season. Vazquez has a contract with the Spanish club through June 2010 with an option for another year.
So, again no Fran Vazquez in the NBA this season:
Marc Gasol will leave Europe to play for the Grizzlies.
During the NBA finals, I saw Marc working out with his brother at the Staples Center. He also told reporters that the really likes it in the US and would be able to help any team on any level. Just one problem: Marc will make more money in Europe than the Grizzlies will offer him in his first season. Keep in mind that Gasol just played with a ULEB cup team and has several offers from Euroleague teams such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Since he himself said that he is still “very young” in addition to the fact that he would make less money in the NBA, it is very doubtful that Marc will be seen in the NBA this upcoming season.
Chances of seeing Marc Gasol in the NBA next season:
Jorge Garbajosa will leave the Raptors and join a Euroleague team.
Another sad example how an injury can mess up your career - well, your NBA career at least. Remember Jorge’s real bad injury? This caused a lot of problems, and not only regarding the injury. As you know, the Spanish federation wanted Jorge to play at the European championship directly following the injury, while the Raptors did not agree with that decision at all. Jorge was re-injured and played only six games in this year’s NBA season.
Some Spanish media outlets reported that the Raptors now want to buy Garbajosa out of his contract and cut any ties. The Raptors have also added that he will not play at the Olympics as long as he is under contract with Toronto. Jorge is set to leave and any European team - particularly a Spanish team like Unicaja Malaga - will take him without a doubt.
Chances for this to happen:
Ksystof Lavrinovic is leaving Siena.
Lavrinovic just won the Italian title with Siena and also made it to the Final Four in Madrid this summer, where the team finished third. Ksystof was one of the main factors for Siena’s success this season and I am sure they will try to do anything to keep him there. There have been rumors that Lavrinovic will enter the NBA, which I’m sure he would if his “dark past” didn’t scare off any NBA team (including the Knicks) and even some Euroleague teams. But you almost can’t say “no” to a player like Ksystof. I’m sure many teams have been asking Siena about Ksystof, and we will soon hear the names of a few teams interested in signing him. How about a Greek team…?
Chances that Ksystof Lavrinovic will leave Montepaschi Siena:
The BallinEurope playoff roundup
May 28, 2008 by Christophe · Leave a Comment
The action continues in full effect, with more and more leagues entering their true decisive phases. And when the decision approaches, players begin to lose their nerves.
The NBA Draft Euro Lottery
May 21, 2008 by Christophe · 1 Comment
Alea jacta est in the NBA Draft lottery and the first pick of the 2008 NBA Draft will be made by the Chicago Bulls. The second choice goes to the Miami Heat and third one is the Minnesota Timberwolves. We won’t go too deep into the order right now, but here are a few thoughts.
