When talking about the best shooters in NBA history, you usually won't hear many other names than Stephen Curry, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, or Klay Thompson. Although that is the truth, the Association has seen its fair share of sharpshooters who don't really get the attention.
One of those players is Danilo Gallinari . The Italian forward is on the sunset of his career, trying to get one more job before hanging them up, but back during his younger days, "The Rooster" was a genuine problem. So much so that his coach with the New York Knicks , Mike D'Antoni, handed him some pretty big compliments back in 2010.
"He's the best shooter I've ever seen," the head coach praised Gallo.
Rough career start
Selected sixth in the 2008 NBA Draft, Danilo came into the NBA as a big question mark. Although highly talented and intriguing, choosing an international shooter over a proven NCAA prospect did not sit well with many Knicks fans at the time.
Playing in just 28 games during his rookie season due to back surgery and averaging just 6.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per night didn't help the Italian national's case. Thankfully, in the following season, Gallinari would make a huge leap and prove the doubters wrong.
"In practice, I have no limits," Danilo knew he could translate his skill to the NBA floor.
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Perfect modern wing
In his second season, Gallinari finally showed the NY fan base why the Knicks selected him so highly. Danilo played in 81 games (74 starts) and posted 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.1 percent from deep.
Aside from the nice mix of size, skill, shooting stroke, and fearlessness, Gallo quickly became a fan favorite in the Big Apple. The various celebrations and interactions with the crowd won the fans' hearts, as even D'Antoni couldn't help but buy into the hype.
Unfortunately for "The Rooster," he would be traded during his third season, being sent to the Denver Nuggets in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade. Danilo would go on to have a respectable NBA career, having notable stints with the Nuggets, Clippers, and Hawks.
Towards the end, Danilo became a sort of journeyman, suiting up for the Thunder, Celtics, Wizards, Pistons, and Bucks. As of now, Gallo is a free agent seeking a roster spot, but at 36 years old and with two ACL injuries in the past, the Italian's days in the Association may be numbered.
However, you can't deny the fact that Gallinari was one of the best NBA snipers of the past 15 years.
Related: That time Danilo Gallinari asked a reporter if she wanted to watch him “take a sh*t”
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