One Trick Rooster?

John Hollinger is a really smart basketball guy. I like reading his articles, and I like how he invented PER (player efficiency rating (duh)). I do not like how he incessantly talks smack about the Knicks and especially Gallinari.

I wrote recently about how the ESPN writers all preferred Michael Beasley over Gallinari, and how they all seemed to think Gallo is bad at defense and rebounding, and all he is good for is shooting 3's.

Hollinger talked about Danilo in his chat on espn.com today, and it showed he has probably not watched the Rooster play very much. Here is what went down in the chat:

Rotem (New York)
Do you think Gallinari should be in the 3 point contest? Also, do you think he'll be an all-star within 2 years? I do



John Hollinger (2:59 PM) I doubt Gallinari will ever be an All-Star. He's a one-trick pony but between the back and a general lack of athleticism I can't imagine him turning into a Nowitzki. I think he'd be a good choice for the 3-pt contest though.

He'd obviously be a good choice for the 3-point contest, and would no doubt win, sinking every shot, but he is not a one trick pony!!! He is a multi-trick Rooster! Let's list his tricks.

1. Obviously, his number one trick is the 3 ball. Struggling as of late but still is at 40% this month. Pretty good for a slump.
2. Newsflash. Gallo is a shot blocker. He is averaging 1.3 blocks per game this month, and 1.2 per 40 minutes on the year (.3 above league average).
   
3. Gallo draws fouls nearly every time he puts the ball on the floor. He gets to the line a decent amount, but also gets teams in the penalty quicker by drawing non shooting fouls a ton. As he gains experience and confidence I am sure his and 1 opportunities will increase dramatically.
   
4. The Rooster is a solid rebounder. It is tough to get a lot of boards when David Lee is sucking them all up, but Danilo has shown a fierce side on the glass, and is getting over 6 rebounds per 40 minutes, which is a lot considering how much time he is on the perimeter.
   
5. He is a pesky and tough defender. He may be a step slow on closeouts, but he has shown the ability to stay in front of speedy point guards, using his length and savvy well.
   
6. He is starting to show the midrange game. This is an area where Danilo can really utilize his size advantage to get easy buckets. Maybe Mike D'Antoni can give him some more looks curling off screens toward the elbow or picking and popping like David Lee.
   
7. He can drive by you and slam it on you.
   
8. He can sing!
   

Of course Gallinari can be an all star. He will probably finish this season averaging about 18 points per game, and will likely eclipse 20 ppg next year and be a 50/40/90 player. But Hollinger doesn't even think he is as good as a young Peja Stojakovic.

HeathMalc (Cleveland,Oh)
Gallinari=Peja



John Hollinger (3:01 PM)
As a young player, Peja was great at moving w/o the ball and a better rebounder than people realized. Gallo can't touch him in those phases.

Ok John...Peja's best rebounding year was 03-04, when he averaged 6.2 rebounds over 40 minutes per game. Gallo is currently averaging 5 rebounds in 30 minutes. Gallo is used to being on the ball so his off ball movement could use some work, but it is undeniable he has been getting more involved as the season progresses.

Just stop with the one trick pony stereotyping of Gallo and watch him play a little.

Knicks play the Pistons tonight, and hopefully Gallo will be matched up with fellow 6'10" handsome, young. hair gel loving European Jonas Jerebko, who hails from Sweden (google image search Jonas Jerebko...the third result is a picture of Gallo)

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