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Danilo Gallinari: Hoping for the Real Deal



With the sixth pick in the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...Danilo Gallinari.

Booooo!

A familiar sound heard on draft night in the MSG Theater regarding the selection of the Knicks. Nonetheless, in what is deemed as the most crucial selection in New York Knickerbocker history, the Knicks selected the young Italian nicknamed "The Rooster".

After initial doubt, Gallanari has grown on many including yours truly. After being heralded by Fran Fraschilla on draft night as having the potential to be amongst "the untouchables" of New York City such as Derek Jeter and Michael Strahan, Gallanari has shown in a short amount of span that Fraschilla might have been on to something. However, "The Rooster" has yet to play a game, or even lace up a pair of kicks under the Garden lights. So he may be far away from the Jeters and Strahans, but compared to the trash most New Yorkers see on the Knicks roster, Gallinari's looks like a gem.

After all, what Knick fan would reject a 6'10'' (and growing), ball handling, jump shooting, sleek passing, experienced basketball player?

After looking over a resume which includes playing professional basketball in a very good Italian League (More competitive than the NCAA to most), an ability to handle pressure, which included a lifestyle of being a superstar in Italy with numerous billboards and perks of unlimited Armani suits, and a passion to play NBA ball, NBA fans have to be excited. Knick fans should be ecstatic.

Knick Fans need a guy like Gallinari to be The Real Deal.

When was the last time a player was excited to be a Knick? Not "want to be a Knick" like Stephon Marbury, but really want to be a New York Knick? According to reports, Gallinari has since worn the cap given to him on draft night everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. Every interview. Every day since the draft. He wants to be a Knick.

The New York Knicks need a guy like Gallarini to be The Real Deal.

Gallinari isa guy that respects the franchise, the history, and its fans. In a time when the New York Knicks need a new face, Gallinari has the tools and potential to fit the bill. David Stern would love for the New York Knicks to have a new face that is not filled with lies and controversy behind the basketball skills.

He's talented, charismatic, good-looking, passionate, hard-working and classy. And oh yeah, he's only nineteen.

The NBA needs a guy like Gallinari to be The Real Deal.

And for those that question if he can handle New York, when asked about his feelings regarding the booing on draft night, Gallanari responded, "I love it. I've been through this already in Italy. It motivates me to work harder to show New York that I can play. I like the pressure. I've done it all my life with pressure over in Italy."

Hopefully, "The Rooster" is The Real Deal...because this city needs it.

Knick fans have been through too much.

Hopefully this time-this one time...we may have something.

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