Gallinari Can Be Dirk 1-A

As the season is now down to just two final games for the Knicks, we are all getting a close look at Gallinari being the focal point of the offense. At age 21, Gallo seems to rely heavily on his three point shooting however we have seen flashes of his ability to put the ball on the floor and draw some fouls; just not enough. What does Gallo have to do to get to that next level he so often speaks of? Unfortunately, asking to guard the other team's best player is not enough. You love that courage he has but it will take more.

A superstar player that i think Gallo most reminds me of is Dirk Nowitzki. Don't crush me for saying it people, I'm not saying he is or ever will be as good as Dirk but his strengths make him the type of player to score in similar ways that Dirk scores.

First of all, he has great size for a shooter, like dirk; at 6'10 he can get his shot off on almost any defender. Both players also have a good enough handle to drive from the perimeter and finish. (I give Gallinari the edge in terms of ball handling) There are several main differences between the two of them though.

Despite Dirk being arguably the best three point shooter in the Association, he has only fired up 116 three point attempts through 79 games as opposed to Gallinari's 470 attempts. Where lies the difference? Trips to the free throw line. Dirk has mastered the art of scoring and drawing fouls. When he gets to the line he capitalizes shooting 91% this year, a career best. To become a prolific scorer, Gallo must obtain a back to the basket game. This will increase his trips to the line as well as get him easier shots to score. This year Gallinari has only attempted 290 free throws. Much less than Dirk's 580.

If this were baseball, Gallo would be a pitcher who can throw 95mph but still needs a secondary pitch to become an effective starter. That secondary pitch for Gallinari will be his post-up game.

I don't want to be picky, but I will be; Gallo can also certainly increase his percentages from the line. Although he increased his free throw attempts from his rookie to sophomore season from 1 to 3, his percentage dropped 14% also. There is no debate, Gallo is a great shooter, which is why he should not make any less than 85% of his foul shots. (82% this year). One of the best features in Kevin Durant's stat sheet is his FT % is right around 90.

Some of you might get confused as to why i am comparing Gallo to all these future hall of famers. Again, i am not saying he is on their level; I am simply pointing out a few of the things Gallo can take after them to become a better player. I think Gallo had a nice sophomore season and will continue to get better. If he takes my advice; sky is the limit.