We admit that we had somewhat forgotten him in the list of ghosts. Absent from the NBA courts for 18 months, Danilo Gallinari made his comeback Tuesday evening during the meeting between the Wizards and the Cairns Taipans. An ideal recovery since Washington won by 63 points (145-82), and “Gallo” was super efficient with 15 points in 15 minutes, 5 out of 7 on shots, 3 out of 4 from 3-point range. All with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
“This is what it means to be a veteran” likes Jordan Poole. “He is able to separate the play, make the right move, bring his experience to different actions… It will be huge for us. It’s also the fact that he can share what he knows how to do, his aggressiveness and his skill. And he’s very good at free throws.”
During the “media day”, the Italian explained that he wanted to prove that he still had his place in the NBA. Especially after being traded by the Celtics when he didn’t expect it. “The NBA has become so much younger. I want to prove to everyone – I know I don’t have to prove it to myself, but to everyone that I can still compete with these young guys.”explained Danilo Gallinari, before discussing this unexpected transfer.
“I didn’t say I wanted to play pivot, but that’s where there will be playing time to take”
“I didn’t expect to end up with the Wizards since on Friday I had a meeting with the Celtics and on Tuesday they traded me. It’s part of the business. It’s part of the NBA. I’m used to it now. Sometimes it’s for the best and any time there’s a chance to open a new chapter and start a new season, it’s always exciting.”
In this case, Danilo Gallinari will even discover a new role since he will be Daniel Gafford’s understudy in position 5! “He will always be an inside player capable of going wide. His ability to shoot 3-pointers remains his calling card, and that’s what embarrasses most traditional centers. He will accept the physical side of this position” assures his coach Wes Unseld Jr.
What does the person concerned think? “I didn’t say I wanted to play center, but that’s where there will be playing time to take. No doubt I will be the back-up at position 5. If I had the choice, I would play playmaker” he quips.
