Boston Celtics Rumors: Danilo Gallinari is a bench piece C’s need to sign
It’s no secret what the Boston Celtics need this off-season: bench scoring.
That is what killed them in the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. You have the stars of the Celtics that will do their part in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Robert Williams III. But those guys, along with Al Horford, can only do so much. Starters and star players can only go so far in the NBA.
The Celtics have some good bench options in Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams, along with Derrick White. But they clearly need more and it showed in the Finals.
But then, I saw on Twitter that Danilo Gallinari was involved in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Atlanta Hawks are trading Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022
Then I saw that there’s a possibility that Gallinari could be cut by San Antonio, and would make him a free agent.
Guess who some people think are the frontrunners for Gallinari’s services?
The Boston Celtics.
Sounds like Danilo Gallinari will be deciding between Chicago and Boston for his next team. The Bulls have much of the full MLE to offer, roughly $8M AAV and a hair more than the Celtics. But Boston appears to be Gallo's preferred landing spot.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 30, 2022
I see this and I’m intrigued. There are many reasons to like Danilo Gallinari as a bench piece for the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics gain an elite three point shooter in Danilo Gallinari
The Celtics at times go into scoring lulls. They just find a way to aggravate us fans and see themselves on the wrong side of long runs by their opponents. Look at what the Warriors did to them at times in the Finals. 21-2 run? Yeah, that can’t happen. It needs to stop next season.
Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!
That’s where Danilo Gallinari’s shooting ability comes into play. Gallinari is a career 38 per cent three point shooter. If the Celtics need some scoring while the starters are getting a breather, Gallinari is a guy that can score. He’s averaged double digits for PPG, since his second season in the NBA. This is a guy that the Celtics can rely on to hit shots from deep. Plus, the Celtics LOVE shooting threes. So Gallinari would fit into the system offensively. Defensively could be a bit of a question mark. But we’re focusing on the offense.
The Boston Celtics can financially afford Danilo Gallinari
The Celtics have several trade and mid-level exceptions that they can use to strengthen their bench. Specifically, the Celtics could use their 6.4 mid-level exception for Gallinari specifically. We figure the Celtics won’t have to break the bank for a guy like Gallinari. Especially if Gallinari wants to have a chance to win a championship. Keep in mind, Gallinari is 33 years old. He isn’t going to be getting any big contracts in the near future. So this could play right into the Celtics hands, once NBA free agency starts tonight.
Next. Two guards the Celtics should trade for!. dark
The bottom line is that the Boston Celtics cannot stay put. They have to upgrade that bench. Danilo Gallinari is a great pickup for their bench. His shooting ability will help distribute the scoring more. He won’t be ridiculously expensive to sign, especially with that mid-level exception the Celtics currently hold.
So why not take a shot on Gallinari? Especially if he wants to come here? Go get him, Brad!