Tobias Harris & Danilo Gallinari: Who matters more for the Clippers
By Abhishek S
SCORING
While both players have evinced their expertise in this domain, the Italian forward has built a reputation of being a high grade scoring threat in the past decade. Gallinari compensates for his shortfall in athleticism with his innovation in the paint, hence drawing nearly five fouls a game. Supporting this skill with his superlative free throw percentage, aids him in attaining easy points. A capable shooter from beyond the arc and mid-range, paired with his polish around the rim classifies him as a three-level scorer. Additionally, a fine ball-handler for his size, Gallinari has the ability to create his own shot, hence manifesting his mastery in isolation plays.
On the other hand, Tobias Harris has exhibited his capability in integrating effectively into a given system with ease. Posing a fundamentally sound and simple game, Harris has developed into an efficient three-level scorer and a refined post-player.
Further, he ousts the European in terms of athleticism, and his dynamism and hustle on the floor aids him in accumulating points in transition. Renowned to be a consistent performer, he has continued to thrive in the league as a result of his aggressiveness on the offensive end. Being a Doc Rivers favorite, he’s established the position of the franchises’ chief scoring threat. However, he remains inferior to the Italian Stallion with regard to isolation plays and creativity as a bucket-getter.
While both members could be deemed near-complete offensive packages, Gallinari’s versatility and superiority in creating his own offense has driven my decision in selecting the Italian.
VERDICT: DANILO GALLINARI
PLAYMAKING
Although the pair haven’t made a name for themselves as passing big-men due to their poor assist numbers, Gallinari’s playmaking game continues to evolve. He’s indicated his ability to thread the needle a few times this season and in his tenure with the Denver Nuggets. Harris, however while being capable, could be considered a slightly inferior passing big in comparison to Gallinari. Nonetheless, being merely 26 years old, he could enhance his skills as a facilitator with time. However, Gallinari holds the advantage over the former Piston currently.
VERDICT: DANILO GALLINARI
SHOOTING EFFICIENCY
While Gallinari has evinced his scoring prowess in the past decade, his inclination in tackling tough, contested shots paired with his proclivity to take on isolation plays upsets his efficiency (Career Field Goal %: 42%, Career Three Point %: 36.7%). Contrary to The Rooster, Tobias attempts higher quality shots and has manifested his expertise as a shooter. Recording an excess of 40% from beyond the arc in recent seasons, his efficiency from the field has signaled his calibre as a dependable scoring machine (Career Field Goal %: 46.7%, Career Three Point %: 35.6%).