Story has been out for sometime but I didn't see anyone address it.

BOSTON - When rookie Danilo Gallinari arrived in the U.S. for the first time in June, he envisioned playing under the bright lights of Broadway as a Knick.

Gallinari may indeed be headed for bright lights, but of a different kind - the neon of Reno, Nev.

Mike D'Antoni acknowledged for the first time publicly the Italian Stallion could be sent in November to the Reno Big Horns - the KnicksNew York Knicks ' NBA Developmental League affiliate - for a rehab assignment.

"That is definitely open," D'Antoni said before facing the Celtics last night. "[It would] give him a taste of reality real quick. That's a possibility. He hasn't played, hasn't done anything. I could see doing it, rehabbing, making sure he's playing 40 minutes to get in good shape and then come back up. I could see that happen."

Gallinari, who has not played since suffering from a bulging disc during July's summer league, has been running on the side and doing shooting and full-court layup drills the past week. The No. 6 pick in the 2008 draft will miss the entire preseason schedule, and has yet to practice with the team.

The thought of playing in Reno was not Italian music to Gallinari's ears.

"I don't think it's the best solution," Gallinari told The Post. "I'm part of this group. I'm part of this team. I'm not part of any other team."

The Knicks have never used the D-League. The Big Horns, holding open tryouts yesterday and today at their Westchester County practice facility, begin training camp Nov. 10. Their exhibition schedule starts Nov. 21 and they play their season opener Nov. 29, hosting Bakersfield, Calif., at Reno Event Center.

Though D'Antoni said he hoped Gallinari could participate in his first full practice by next week, the Knicks rookie doubts it. Gallinari said he is looking more toward "two weeks" before he is able to scrimmage.

D'Antoni's argument is that once the regular season starts on Oct. 29, practices will be shorter and less plentiful, making it tougher for Gallinari to make up the ground lost. The D-League was invented for a raw talent like Gallinari, but Knicks president Donnie Walsh hopes the rookie can get in game shape and eventually make D'Antoni's rotation without going to Reno.

"I would rather him here," Walsh said. "The guys who aren't playing should be doing extra work. But if that's not happening, we'll look at that option."

During his individual drills with Knicks assistant/strength coach Greg Brittenham, Gallinari has shown he can shoot the ball beautifully. But his strength and durability will remain a question and Gallinari admitted he'll likely have to play with some level of back pain this season.

Gallinari is still confident he can salvage his rookie year.

"I feel comfortable with the way Mike plays and with the team," Gallinari said. "They say they are waiting for me and to take my time."

I keep getting a bad feeling about Gallinari's attitude. People went nuts over Marbury starting desires, I wonder how many people will take Gallinari to task for speaking out about not wanting to go to the D league to prepare for the NBA.

Gallo is in a tough spot. I think he really just wants to play with the big boys and it doesn't look good right now. I would make sure he takes this slow. In fact if he's gonna have to play with pain, then what's the point. Just let him continue to rehab and then send him to the D League later when he's more pain free. If he's not gonna be pain free or more importantly if he has a risk of re-injuring himself or making it worse, then don't put him in there. It's really a strange situation. I don't like taking a risk with your top draft pick.

Posted by GKFv2:

You can already see some of the other awesome Knicks' attitude rub off on him.

I think he already came in with this attitude and he went to a team with attitude problems in a big city with a nightlife. Good for D'Antoni for thinking about the team. I see Walsh is just trying to cover his ass surrounding the pick.

Also, the scary part is that the team and Gallinari are not on the same page regarding the injury.
Though D'Antoni said he hoped Gallinari could participate in his first full practice by next week, the Knicks rookie doubts it. Gallinari said he is looking more toward "two weeks" before he is able to scrimmage.