3 bold predictions for the Atlanta Hawks for the end of the season

Atlanta Hawks bold prediction No. 2) Danilo Gallinari will be Sixth Man of the Year

Up until the All-Star break, Danilo Gallinari was a solid player off the bench for the Hawks. He had a few really good games but under the previous coach, Lloyd Pierce, Gallinari was not used in any structured form and did not have the impact on games we know he is capable of having.

Prior to the All-Star break, Gallinari averaged 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He shot the ball at 39.1 percent from the floor, 38.8 percent from deep, and 93.4 percent from the line, giving him a 58.2 true shooting percentage. His offensive rating was 111 points per 100 possessions and his defensive rating of 119 points per 100 possessions.

Post-All-Star break Gallinari has gone to another level. He is averaging 16.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, shooting 48.1 percent from the floor, 41.4 percent from deep, and 92.5 percent from the line. This gives Gallinari a 65.7 true shooting percentage. His offensive rating has gone up to an incredible 130 points per 100 possessions, his defensive rating has gone to 113 points per 100 possessions.

If Gallinari can keep up this level of production off the bench, and the Hawks can keep winning, then there is a good chance that Gallinari will be a top contender for the honor. He is certainly playing well enough to win the award.