Soaring Down South
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The Top 10 Small Forwards in the NBA

By Tom Atkinson

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends during the second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends during the second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. Danilo Gallinari (Denver Nuggets)

Jan 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) shots the ball over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) shots the ball over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Age: 28

2015-16 Per Game Averages: 19.5 points, 5.3  rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals

Career Per Game Averages: 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals

The exact opposite of the above, Danilo Gallinari is an offensive stud. Italians are often known for being smooth with their words and their language of love, but Gallinari is super smooth with his shot.

Sure, the 28-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but he has also proven to be a very good scorer. He might have been limited to only 53 games this term, but Gallinari averaged a career-best 19.5 points per game. His shooting averages remained much the same but he has become more aggressive, making seven of eight free throws per game, also the highest of his career.

"“…despite being a poor finisher, Gallo is among the most efficient high-usage players in the league thanks to his ability to pair prolific free throw shooting with excellent three-point shooting. As long as he’s drawing fouls at a high rate and hitting enough three-pointers, Gallinari will be a valuable scorer,” SBNation’s Jesus Gomez said. “Players like Gallinari who can play two positions and allow a team to completely alter the type of lineups it uses are incredibly valuable in today’s NBA. He’s an efficient offensive player despite a poor field-goal percentage, has become a decent rebounder and doesn’t kill Denver on defense.”"

Danilo Gallinari is an ultra-dangerous 6’10” offensive weapon. Watch those highlights and tell me he doesn’t deserve a place in this top-10.

Next: No. 8

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