OKC Thunder: Danilo Gallinari puts everything on line for team
Danilo Gallinari never considered opting-out of Orlando
Gallinari who’ll turn 32 on August 8th, had good reason to consider following the same path as Bertans. For one thing, the Italian has suffered some bad injuries over his 11 seasons. Second, this could be the last big contract he’ll sign. Although, there is the potential given the pandemic players in Gallinari’s situation may elect to sign shorter-term and significantly less lucrative contracts.
Free agents will undoubtedly not get the same type of contracts because of how the pandemic affected the bottom line. It’s a matter of bad timing for this crop of free agents as fans aren’t expected to be in the seats next season either, at least initially.
Given that reality, it’s feasible the salary cap could be affected for several more seasons. Superstars will still earn the big paydays which mean players in the next tier are bound to take a hit.
An injury in Orlando could cause greater damage as teams aren’t likely to extend themselves for 32-year olds especially if they’re injured.
Still, the Thunder forward never considered not returning as he told the assembled group in his virtual media session. His comments explain why he has become a fan favorite in less than a full campaign in OKC.
‘Honestly, never, not in my mind or my agent’s mind. Because the main reason is we are fighting for something. And I think that what we are fighting for and what we play for — is more important than the free agency that I’m going to approach.’
🔈 @gallinari8888 zoom w/media.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 3, 2020
He and teammates are looking forward to Orlando, picking up where they left off.
“We are fighting for something, trying to win something and go far.” pic.twitter.com/BJvXA60jaY
It’s clear the Italian has put winning with his club ahead of his personal situation.
‘We are trying to win something and to go far. And, so to do it with my teammates especially, to not waste all the things that we did since September — since the end of last September and all the work that we put in. Nobody, and me first, I don’t want to see it going to waste. And so, I never thought about not playing for my free agency.‘
The Thunder was also smart not playing him in both games of back-to-back scenarios to keep him rested and healthy. Aside from a short four-game spell in late December when Gallo was out due to a sore ankle the other five games he sat were the second night of back-to-back sets