Three bold predictions following OKC Thunder preseason

Gallinari makes his first All-Star game

I wrote this in a roundtable published recently, but there may not be a more underrated joy in the NBA than discovering just how dominant Danilo Gallinari can be. With a 6’11” frame, a silky jumper, and a knack for getting to the rim, Gallo has long been one of the most difficult assignments in the NBA.

This preseason, he seemed to hit another level. In a mere 21.6 minutes per game, he averaged 14 points, with a 59.3 true shooting percentage, and hit 41.7 percent of his four 3-point shots per game. Per 36 minutes, that rounds out to about 23.3 points and almost seven 3-point shots per game – both of which are reasonably attainable for him. If those numbers hold, it’ll be extremely difficult to keep him out of his first All-Star game.

Granted, the Western Conference All-Star race is going to be an absolute bloodbath this year, but if he can keep scoring like he did this preseason – and like he did in the second half of 2018-2019 – his production will probably be undeniable.