Washington Wizards: 4 players that could replace Davis Bertans
By Ethan Smith
Danilo Gallinari
Among all the free agents that should be available this offseason, Danilo Gallinari is probably the closest thing to an exact replacement that the Wizards will find if they lose Davis Bertans.
At 6’10”, Gallinari possesses similar size and would give the Wizards a bevy of roster options that could allow them to get really creative with a power forward that can step out and hit threes or take his man to the hoop off the dribble. On offense, Gallinari – like most – can’t keep up with Bertans’ hairpin trigger. But he’s a 38 percent career three-point shooter, and he does have a better all-around game than Bertans.
Plus, Gallinari could help in one area where the Wizards genuinely need it: defense. While he may not make any All-Defensive teams before his career is over, Gallinari has gotten praise for his defensive abilities in the past. Both Doc Rivers and Kenny Atkinson, each of whom have spent some time with Gallinari, have both had positive things to say about him on the defensive end.
On paper, he’d be an excellent free agent find that could come in and fill Bertans’ shoes. But paper might end up being the problem. Gallinari hasn’t enjoyed a salary below $14 million since the 2014-15 season. He might just end up being more expensive than Bertans after all.