Danilo Gallinari is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He may or may not be back. His reputation as a scorer has been well-earned in his career. But what the Milwaukee Bucks might need instead is someone off the bench who can be more of a defensive presence, getting in the other team's space.
The Milwaukee Bucks are a veteran team. So when they made the move to add Danilo Gallinari, it made plenty of sense. Gallinari's history with Doc Rivers made him a good addition to the team. (Gallinari played for Doc Rivers during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers for two seasons). The former sixth overall pick by the Knicks in 2008, Gallinari has always been thought of as a scorer.
The move did pay dividends for the team in the playoffs, as Gallinari played 21 solid minutes in a home win against Indiana. He scored four points and had six rebounds. That game was a game out of the "necessity" for the team to stay alive. Gallinari did come through.
Could the Bucks move on from Danilo Gallinari?
Despite battling injuries over the years, Gallinari has maintained his status as a skilled scorer and reliable veteran presence, respected for his shooting, basketball IQ and professionalism. He will likely aim to continue his playing career, but will it be in Milwaukee? It wouldn't be shocking if the Bucks turned elsewhere.
After we discuss a few potential replacements, it might not seem like such a terrible idea to bring him back. But let's see what else could be out there.