Mark D. Smith-US Presswire
Danilo Gallinari faced freak multiple injuries in 2011-2012 with the Denver Nuggets, and he has been working the off-season away in Italy, but what does his outlook look like for the 2012-2013 season?
Gallinari was traded to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster trade and immediately he had Nuggets fans swooning over him; however, his 2011-2012 season never met the expectations of critics or fans.
Last season, it was thought to be a breakout year for the Italian player, but due to multiple injuries and missing a third of the season, this never came to pass. Although, he could never find a consistent perimeter shot, his driving ability and the way he drew fouls was phenomenal; it was the latter that was demonstrated frequently last season.
With his health being a number one priority, Gallinari is another Nuggets’ player that could have a breakout year in 2012-2013. He has a slew of shots: the aforementioned drive to the basket, soft jump shot, or his ability to get to the basket for an easy dunk. Consistency is always key, but this could be “the” year that Gallinari breaks through the threshold and could become the second point leader — right behind Ty Lawson – in Denver.
Despite the injuries last season, Gallinari had some phenomenal games, like his 37 points against the New York Knicks on January 21, 2012 and during this same game he played 52 minutes and accumulated 18 made free throws.
My not-so bold prediction for Gallinari is this: he will average 30-32 minutes, as well as being able to work on his perimeter shot, which may climb back up to the 38% – 39% range, but — as I have mentioned before — it’s solely based on the forward being in the best health.
One prediction that won’t miss is that this is a make or break year for Gallinari in Denver.
