The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to maintain their lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the top spot in the Western Conference. With a two-game cushion and six games left in the season, every game counts for the defending champions.
In a strategic move, the Thunder welcomed back a familiar face to their shootaround: Danilo Gallinari. The Italian forward, a seasoned NBA veteran with 14 years under his belt, spent time reconnecting with the team at their facility. Gallinari, who played a pivotal role during his stint with Oklahoma City in the 2019-20 season, shared the court once again with his former teammates Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
During his season with the Thunder, "Gallo" was a key contributor, posting averages of 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His chemistry with Gilgeous-Alexander dates back even further to their time with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018-19 season.
Gallinari's career is marked by his scoring prowess and sharpshooting ability, having played for eight different NBA teams. Over 777 career games, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Beyond the NBA, Gallinari also showcased his talents in the EuroLeague and most recently in Puerto Rico, before hanging up his sneakers following Italy's EuroBasket campaign last summer.
While Gallinari never captured an NBA title, his extensive experience and insights could prove invaluable to the Thunder as they gear up for another playoff run. At the very least, his presence brings a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, allowing him to reconnect with old friends and offer guidance as the team eyes back-to-back championships.