Stay classy, New York City. Honestly, I couldn't believe my ears when the Garden faithful loudly booed Danilo Gallinari whenever his face was flashed across ESPN's cameras. Hey, I still have nightmares of Frederic Weis just like the rest of you, so I understand where you're coming from. But this draft got a whole lot less interesting for the Knicks as soon as they lost out on the opportunity to move up to a top-3 selection. Are Knicks fans so convinced that Gallinari is a bum compared to the likes of guys like Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, etc.? Better question: Are Knick fans that ignorant?
According to ESPN's Chad Ford, despite the fact that new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni played ball with Gallinari's father in Italy, D'Antoni wasn't initially a fan of the younger Gallinari's game until Gallinari's workout and "some research by the Knicks" changed the organization's mind. That information alone should comfort Knick fans afraid that D'Antoni is doing his former teammate any favors by selecting his son. And let's give new head honcho a little bit of credit here as well. Wash didn't come to New York to acquiesce to his subordinate's whims.
Listen, I don't know anything about this kid, but there's no reason to boo him on draft day. The Knicks are supposed to be turning the page and starting a new era. It's unfortunate that the fans aren't willing to do the same.
Via ESPN.com:
It was meant to be. Mike D'Antoni once played with his father in Italy, and he's the perfect forward for D'Antoni's system. He's tough, he can run the floor, he handles the ball and he shoots it with range. He's more like Dirk Nowitzki or Toni Kukoc than fellow Italian Andrea Bargnani.
Found June 27, 2008 on
Hot Stove New York:
TEAMS:
New York Knicks
PLAYERS: Danilo Gallinari, Frederic Weis, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Dirk Nowitzki
PLAYERS: Danilo Gallinari, Frederic Weis, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Dirk Nowitzki
Original Story:
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BookerT said June 27, 2008
As far as I kno Marbury is still a stud and Robinson is amazing as well coming off the bench (Collins is a solid backup as well hopefully he practicing his shooting). Crawford at the 2, the 4 and 5 unfortunatley reliability on Defense is 0 with fatsos Curry and Randolph. Knicks need another big men and not that piece of trash Jerome James...Team Chemistry and Team D is what we lack, I dont know how you can fix that but these players need to start working hard like the 99 Knicks...
David Stern deserved every Boo last night thats for God Damn Sure..
webkid30 said June 27, 2008
The boo's represented the frustration of Knicks fans at the organization more than the player. I've been watching Gallinari since he was picked and now have a new man crush. NY won't come into the season hating this kid. We'll wait and see how he pans out and if he plays hard and wins he will be the biggest thing in NYC since cheese pizza.