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Dallas Mavericks: 5 Possible Free Agent Small Forwards

By Kohl Rast

Mar 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) shoots a three point basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Dallas Mavericks won 112 - 107. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) shoots a three point basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Dallas Mavericks won 112 - 107. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 125-112. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 125-112. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Danilo Gallinari

I’ve written multiple posts over the past few years about how I would love to see the Dallas Mavericks go get Danilo Gallinari, and I still stand by that dream. However, this dream may be more realistic now than it has ever been.

For the first time in a long time, Gallinari seems to be on the outside looking in. He is no longer the premier player in Denver and his time has been so full of injury and clouded with worry that the Nuggets are likely to be ready to part with the Italian-born small forward. Gallo really has never fulfilled his full potential during his time in the NBA so far.

Although his accomplishments are limited, I think that Danilo Gallinari would fit great in the Mavericks system. He could slide into a Dirk-like role of offense first with some rebounding and average defensive ability, and he would do so at only 28 years old. That isn’t particularly young in the league but he is not old either.

Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mavs would love to have Gallinari for one simple reason: the guy can score the ball. There is not a shot on the court that doesn’t look good through Gallinari’s eyes and with a career shooting percentage of 42% and three-point of 37%, we sure would like to have him taking those shots. Anyone to help Barnes on the offensive end is a good thing.

Gallinari really would love coming to Dallas because he would get every opportunity to take Dirk’s place in the starting lineup for the future. Although Gallinari naturally plays the small forward position, his 6’10” length would make him a possible fit at the stretch 4 in some scenarios as well. This would give him more opportunities to have defenders that he can take advantage of and give him an even better chance to score at will.

The reason this dynamic may not work is the same as Otto Porter Jr.: money. The Mavs are not in a high spending mood just yet because of the money they will have to give to Nerlens Noel and the money they still owe players like Wes and Powell. Other teams will be giving Gallinari the max but the Mavericks may not be so sold on the injury-plagued Italian. No rumors have come out yet.

Next: P.J. Tucker

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