(Big C) As you think about the Knicks this season it will be a make or break year for the team. There are high expectations for the players and coaching staff. One player that might be under the microscope on the Knicks is forward Danilo Gallinari.

Fans and critics are wondering will Danilo Gallinari be able to improve his game or will he remain stagnant. Last season we saw Danilo Gallinari come out of his shell towards the end of the season. When I spoke to Walt Frazier he said he expected Danilo Gallinari to improve even more this season.

Here is what Walt Frazier had to say about Danilo Gallinari:

“We saw a tremendous improvement in his game. His rebounding, his defense, his shooting, his ability to get to the free throw line. Remember he missed most of his rookie year. Last season was more like his first year. I saw tremendous improvement in his game. He is only going to get better.

He is a player that thrives on tenacious work ethics. He wants to be one of the best. Last year he had some very memorable performances against some of the elite players in the league. So he’s right there on the threshold.

When I asked Walt Frazier what he thought about people thinking Danilo Gallinari as just a shooter he had this to say:

“They are wrong. He works on defense. He is going to be a good passer. And remember at 6’10” he creates a lot of mismatch problems for the opposition. But what he has to overcome is getting to the hoop off the dribble. Exploiting those mismatches. That’s the next level for him.”-Walt Frazier

I think Danilo Gallinari will have a chance to show that he is a real asset to the Knicks team. Because of Danilo Gallinari’s shooting ability he will be able to spread the offense. Not only that, he will open things up for Amar’e because players will be scared to leave Danilo to go double Amar’e,

Besides shooting, Danilo has to mix up his game more by combining shooting, posting up, and driving. Just like Walt Frazier said, “if Danilo Gallinari can drive more off the dribble that alone will elevated his game”.

This season I want to see Danilo Gallinari drive more and post up more in the low post. Especially now that he has toned up. At 6’10 playing small forward is a huge advantage in Danilo Gallinari’s favor. Now it’s up to him to maintain the mindset to be one of the best in the league and to be consistent every night.

This year should be Gallo’s year to show and prove the critics wrong.