NEW YORK -- The Knicks signed first-round draft pick Danilo Gallinari on Tuesday and expect to have him ready to play in summer league games next week in Las Vegas.
Gallinari was taken sixth overall in June, and Knicks fans at the draft jeered and booed when the big Italian's name was called. According to the NBA's rookie scale, Gallinari is set to average about $2.6 million in salary over the first three years of his career.
The 6-foot-8 Gallinari, who turns 20 before the season starts, is a versatile offensive player who led his team, Armani Jeans of Milan, with 17.5 points per game.
He will wear the No. 8 made famous in Italy by Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni when he played there professionally with Gallinari's father. But Gallinari has always worn the 8 because his birthday is Aug. 8, 1988.
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