Category Archives: 2008 Summer League
Word out of Las Vegas is that Danilo Gallinari will sit for today’s game against the Spurs due to soreness.
Tagged Danilo Gallinari |Tommy Dee and I will be recapping the Knicks Game 1 victory over the Cavs in the Vegas Summer League. We will give our take on Danilo Gallinari‘s debut, is Wilson Chandler the real deal, Mardy Collins at the point, and who is Anthony Roberson?
To listen live at 3:30pm or to download the replay go to THE KNICKSBLOG RADIO PAGE
Check out the guys at realknicks.com, who did a great video breakdown of yesterday’s game.
After struggling through the 1st half of his debut, rookie Danilo Gallinari had an impressive offensive 2nd, showing a variety of skills totalling for 14 points on 5-11 shooting.
Here is the breakdown of his impressive 3rd quarter, as well as his highlight through-the-legs pullback in the 4th:
Breakdown of Gali's Impressive Second Half
1) Put back follow-up dunk- ed. note: the dunk was on weak side not right block.
2) Draws foul posting on the left block; Makes both FTs
3) Beautiful step in pull back from just inside the arc.
4) Spots in the corner at the end of the quarter, hits a catch-and-shoot jumper after nice draw and kick pass from Roberson.
5) Highlight of the night, catches the ball in the high post, waits for guards to cut before breaking his man down off the dribble; hits fadeaway jumper.
DEFENSE AND INTANGIBLES
Obviously, the kid needs to work on his strength, as he often got pushed around particluarly inside. I’m not sure if he has the ability to guard 4s, but he may not need to. His rebounding was relatively non-existent.
He was excellent in moving the ball, as well as handling it, and clearly has a very high basketball IQ.
But most importantly for Knicks fans, the kid has a PURE shooting stroke and, combined with his pick-and-pop ability and high release point, should have little difficulty getting his shot off right away. He’ll need sets to get him open.
Just finished watching the Knicks first summer league game (in between Josh Hamilton Home Runs) and have this to add.
- Gallinari showed me something by not backing down after a rough first half. Regardless of what the detractors have to say, the Rooster showed that he will not run away from a challenge. We all know he is a work in progress.
- Do the Knicks have a star in the making? Alan Hahn makes an excellent point about how Wilson Chandler might be Isiah’s last and best draft pick. I am not ready to call Chandler “the matrix” but he showed how explosive and versatile a player he can be.
- Quietly Mardy Collins ran the team effectively. Two years ago he impressed me with a few big games at the end of the year. He clearly regressed last season with the various injuries and lack of playing time. I am going to be watching him more this summer.
- Who is Anthony Roberson? Basketball Reference and Wikipedia might help.
- Question of the day: What is Robert Traylor still doing on a basketball court?
- If you like to review the boxscore from the Knicks 97-94 win over the Cavs click here.
Tagged Danilo Gallinari, Mardy Collins, Wilson Chandler |Update: 5:30
Well, the kid’s gone nuts. I had to post after the thru the legs fade. This kid is a pure shooter. If are going to watch the recap at 7:00 pm on MSG, make sure you watch at 6:33 of the 4th.
Defensively, he needs some work.
Update: 4:38
Shaky start for Gallinari. He seemed nervous, unsure and just plain lost. He seems very comfortable on the pick and pop, as one shot went in and out. Traylor was too strong for him inside. Not sure the kid will be able to guard 4s in this league. He does seem to have the lateral quickness to guard the perimeter, however. I think the lack of a point guard has effected the flow of the offense. I like Roberson, but he looks to shoot, alot.
Look for Gallinari to be more aggressive later in the game. Nice kickout pass to a spotting Roberson at the end of the first quarter.
Wilson Chandler is simply a beast. He better start at the 3.
Update 3:25….
Obviously, I understand how meaningless the summer league is. It’s not that impressive a level of play, what with some guys probably playing in my beer league this winter. In any case, I still can’t hide my level of excitement. You can be sure that Gallinari is ready, and to all the “fans” who booed him the other night, watch him play first, then feel free to say he sucks.
He may struggle, he may turn the ball over, and he may do some great things. Keep in mind the kid is 19, and ready to prove people wrong.
A little over an hour and counting…
I’m interested to hear the commentors thoughts during the action. I’ll share mine.
Projected Starting Lineup
F- Wilson Chandler
F- Renaldo Balkman
G- Mardy Collins
G-Von Wafer (*Anthony Roberson*)
Check out the following video from the Vegas Summer League. Interviews with David Lee, Jamal Crawford and highlights of Danilo Gallinari‘s walk thru.
Newer posts →
