Mike D'Antoni said the biggest surprise about Danilo Gallinari's game is his ability to cover the perimeter and competently defend two-guards and small-forwards.  

"If he can do that, then he can play on the perimeter," D'Antoni said.  "That just helps us that much more."

Gallinari is 20 years of age, listed at 6'10" and 225 pounds.  He is expected to grower taller and stronger which could enable him to bang inside.  Once that happens, D'Antoni expects Gallinari to be able to play three or four positions.

D'Antoni admitted that he at first assumed Gallinari would be the standard all-offense, no-defense European player, "because you make generalizations, which you shouldn't."

D'Antoni sees Gallinari's basketball IQ also translating on the defensive end.  "[H]e has shown he knows angles, he can use his length.  And he'll get stronger.  There's no reason why he can't become a good defender on the perimeter, which, if he can do that and inside, then you've got a heck of a player."