Atlanta Hawks: 4 players who can’t disappear during the playoffs

Atlanta Hawks players who can’t disappear No. 3) Danilo Gallinari

When the Hawks traded for Danilo Gallinari they bought into the team a veteran who could help take the team to the next level. Once Nate McMillan took over, and Gallinari was able to shake his minutes’ restrictions, he was all that and more.

However, in this series, the Hawks have seen the best and worst of Gallinari. During the first two games of the series, Gallinari averaged 6.5 points 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.5 steals in 26.5 minutes per game. He shot the ball at 18.8 percent from deep over these games. The Hawks were lucky to escape with the first game and were outplayed in the second.

During the two games at State Farm Arena, Gallinari shot the ball with greater accuracy. He averaged 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals in 24.5 minutes per game. He went 4-of-4 in the third game, and 5-of-8 in the two games from deep, good for 62.5 percent.

Gallinari is an incredible floor spacer but also has the ability to score from the inside. If he is fouled, then he is almost automatic from the line. He has never been lauded for his defense, but that he is showing incredible tenacity on that end. If he disappears as he did in the first two games, the Hawks are in trouble.