3 Things Danilo Gallinari Brings to the Atlanta Hawks

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic looks for a pass against Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Amway Center on January 22, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

#3 – Solid defense

Gallinari is definitely better offensively than defensively, but he’s no slouch on D. He can hold his own, especially when matched up with similar players to himself. He runs into a bit more trouble when he’s tasked with covering big, bruising big men or quick, shifty guards.

He’s not going to rack up big steals or blocks numbers, but the Hawks don’t really need that. Clint Capela, John Collins and rookie Onyeka Okongwu can handle the interior defense while Gallo can hang back and pick up the slack when needed.

Patrick Beverley on Danilo Gallinari's defense: "He's an underrated defensive player. He knows all the schemes, is the loudest on the court, talks the most. He's a real big factor on our defensive end." #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/jIKjWiK6zr
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) March 16, 2019

The Atlanta Hawks were among the worst defensive teams in the league in 2019-20 and the signing 100 percent won’t make them worse, even if it doesn’t make them a whole lot better either.

All in all, I think it’s a tremendous signing for the Atlanta Hawks, definitely among the best they could do in a weak free agency class. They didn’t overpay, leaving them in position to grab another stud like perhaps Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Next. How Okongwu draft pick will change the Hawks' offseason. dark

What do you think of the Danilo Gallinari signing?