A recent New York Time’s article talks up Knicks’ rookie Danilo Gallinari‘s recent progress throughout the last month.

The 6-10 Italian is displaying a surprising amount of toughness and intelligence, despite his being just 20 years of age and being out the majority of the season with a back injury.

Gallinari has been active the last 26 games, missing nearly 30 games to start the season, but the young, talented forward from Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy seems to be getting his stride towards the end of the season with more minutes to come as the Knick’s playoff hopes begin to dim.

From NYT:  Gallinari’s best games as a Knick came in the past week. He scored 17 points last Wednesday in a victory over Atlanta and had 15 points Sunday in a loss to the Nets. He has provided a number of clutch baskets over the last two months and has shown a surprising bit of grit on defense — a trait not usually associated with rookies, or with European players.

“(Danilo Gallinari) has probably been our best player in the last couple of weeks” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said.

Gallanari was drafted in the first round, 6th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft after being named the Euroleague’s Rising Star for the 2007-08 season.

Links and Resources:  Knick’s Gallinari is Starting to Show his Potential (NYT), Danilo Gallinari Player Profile (Interbasket), Discuss Danilo Gallinari of the Knicks (Interbasket)