Totally overlooked in the recent fuss over Gallinari are the two recent DNPs of Chris Wilcox. With Eddy Curry doing the honors, the absence of Al Harrington leaves a void likely to be (cough) filled by Quentin Richardson.

Of course the playoffs are in sight but why not a shiftline cameo tonight that features Lee/ Wilcox/ Chandler/ Hughes and Nate?

"Meanwhile, back in the states..."

Gallinari is an intelligent athlete. His exposure to the critical fan pressure w AC Milan provided a hint of the scrutiny he would face in NYC. He understood the labels that are quickly attached to players who are perceived as "soft". He knew he would need to earn the respect of his peers and more important, the NY fans and media.

The Knicks, and their medical staff, have one objective. To get their investment on the court. Second-guessing over first round picks is inevitable and goes on until the end of time. Second-guessing over first round picks who are on the disabled list is never a good thing in terms of PR. Players in three piece suits have no value on game night.

Cablevision is in the PR/ image crafting business. They sign the checks of the medical staff whose number one responsibility is to get the investments on the court, to make the fans happy. The General Manager and Head Coach are simply "yes" men in the loop. They are primarily concerned with protecting their jobs in the image/ entertainment business that is pro sports.

Whether Danilo Gallinari was a good selection at the spot he was selected is moot. He is ours to have and to hold until his back heals or he decides to retreat to luxurious villa on the Amalfi coast. Whether Dr Lisa Callahan and her colleagues made the right call to allow him on an NBA court this season is easy to second-guess in March.

I just wonder of the same people who are now clamoring that Gallinari should have never played, are the same people who were quick to attach the derisive nicknames that he was determined to avoid. Gallinari understood the expectations and pushed his body to endure the draining four hour warmups on game night. Did he play despite pain, just to put on the uniform ... or to try and defend his fragile personal brand?