Nuggets Rumors: Clippers made ‘strong impression’ on Danilo Gallinari
By Tom West
The LA Clippers are pursuing Denver Nuggets free agent Danilo Gallinari, and reportedly made a “strong impression” on him in their NBA free agency meeting.
We heard early on in NBA free agency that the LA Clippers are interested in Danilo Gallinari, and that they’re looking for a third team for a sign-and-trade soon after. Even though Gallinari returning to the Denver Nuggets is a reported possibility, it certainly seems less likely after the addition of Paul Millsap and reports that the Nuggets are aiming to clear cap space in order to sign point guard George Hill.
The Clippers’ interest in Gallinari has been high, though, and they seem to be emerging as one of the leaders to sign him.
Even though free agency meetings always “go well” according to sources near the teams involved, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Clippers made a “strong impression” on Gallinari in their meeting on Sunday.
Sources: Clippers presentation made a strong impression on free agent Danilo Gallinari in Los Angeles today. They've long coveted him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
As David Aldridge added, they looked to sell Gallinari on his versatile role and importance in their frontcourt with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Clippers brass painted a picture for Gallinari tonight where he's part of multiple lineups that will form the best frontcourt in the league.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 3, 2017
Gallinari makes a lot of sense for the Clippers. Their offense obviously took a drastic hit with the Chris Paul trade that they can’t recover from, but Gallinari at least helps provide them with another player who can score in a variety of ways. They need more shooting around Griffin as the new focal point of the offense, and Gallinari provides that with a 38.9 percent 3-point shot and his ability to attack smaller forwards inside, drive, and get free throw opportunities. A lineup featuring Griffin as a playmaking, small-ball center next to Gallinari’s scoring at power forward would be tremendously skilled.
For the Nuggets, the news of the Clippers’ push for Gallinari shouldn’t be too concerning. Millsap is coming and there’s no way Gallinari can stay if the team want to add George Hill as intended, which is the priority.
Next: Why Paul Millsap is a perfect fit for Denver
Hill would be perfect as another ball handler and top-notch defensive boost at point guard, so despite the Nuggets having some interest in bringing Gallinari back, it just looks like their focus is elsewhere. Hill would do more for the team and the defense now that Millsap is onboard.
