National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets' Player Outlook: The Rooster, Danilo Gallinari

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Feb 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles the ball around Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo Gallinari has been the firm foundation for the Denver Nuggets for many years, and this year will be no different as he suits up for the Nuggs again.

Danilo Gallinari is primed for a fresh start to the upcoming season. With Gallinari being the Nuggets’ go-to scoring option, much is expected of him this year.

Despite being hobbled with injuries the past couple of seasons, Gallinari has shown that he is an offensive threat in the NBA. As I’ve stated in a previous article, if Gallinari can remain healthy, he will be an All-Star.

Gallo is an extremely interesting talent to dissect. Danilo Gallinari thrives off of getting the ball to the rack and shooting a solid percentage from the line. Gallo in his short 53 games was top 4 in both free throw attempts and free throws made.

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Gallo has been able to transform into a monster, and if you didn’t notice, he was also able to make on the cover of 2k17 of Italy. Be ready to see a new and ready Gallo this season. But, where and how will his role differ?

Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Last Season Gallo

Gallinari proved last season that he can score at will. Not only is he a spot up shooter, but he can create his own shot as well. Gallo averaged 5.4 field goals made and a 36.4 3 point% per game last season.

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On top of that, he averaged 19.5 points per game as well. While his 19.5 points per game led the team, he also put up avid rebounding numbers as well. Gallinari averaged 5.3 rebounds per game which is above average for a small forward.

They’re not exactly LeBron-esc rebounding numbers, but when Jokic, Nurkic, and Faried are involved in the paint, it takes pressure off the wing players.

Like I mentioned, his bread-and-butter has been being the number one scoring option and being able to draw fouls and get to the line.

Gallinari’s finesse helps put a nice touch on the Nuggets’ ever evolving offense. A healthy Danilo Gallinari could be deadly for the Northwest Division.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) looks on from the bench in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Pepsi Center. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

His Role This Season

Gallinari’s role this year will be being the number 1 option of Denver’s offense. Of course, the concern is whether or not he can stay healthy throughout the year.

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With that being said, the return of Wilson Chandler should help decrease the load off of Gallo’s minutes played.

As stated in Nathan Beighle’s article previewing the small forwards, the decrease of minutes should help Gallinari stay fresh for a potential playoff push.

Nuggets Nation is hoping Gallo can have a big year and become their first All-Star player since the Carmelo Anthony era. A Nugget All-Star from a team that is still searching for a go-to superstar would be quite the sight to behold.

Not only that, it would better prove just how bright Denver’s future really is. A healthy Gallinari being backed up by Chandler could spark the Nuggets offense this season.

When healthy, Gallinari is a versatile scorer. Not only does he create his offense well, his presence helps balance Denver’s scheme out. What I mean by this is that Harris, Mudiay, Jokic, and Faried are rough- riders defensively, but are still developing their offensive game.

The Denver Nuggets have secretly put together a talented team, and it all starts with Danilo Gallinari staying healthy and being their best player. His role won’t change much. If he’s healthy, he could finally return Denver to the promise land.

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