Everyone knows about the “rookie wall,” that second year in the NBA which often seems impossible to get through for some rookies. Andrea Bargnani hit the wall, and it’s what probably might happen to Marco Belinelli. The cases of the two Italians are, in some ways, of the same mold, and this is not great news.
Bargnani, first overall pick in the 2006 Draft, has just find out how difficult adapting to an NBA team, NBA rules and the NBA way of life is. A reserved, shy guy, Bargnani was stunned by the lights of the pro world and confused when he put on the Toronto Raptors jersey. According to Bryan Colangelo and Maurizio Gherardini’s intentions, Bargnani should have been the starting power forward for the next ten years, but the choice has been shown to be wrong: A rookie season of 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and sad 42% field goal shooting, statistics not good enough for a number one pick, turned to a tragic second season in whom Bargnani saw his playing time (from 25.1 to 23.9 minutes), points (10.2), rebounds (3.7) and shooting percentage (38%) decline.
How this was possible? Obviously, the Italian 7’ combo-forward got used to Toronto, knew his teammates better, knew the NBA better … but the rookie wall came all the same. It’s hard to say if a reason for this devolution was Sam Mitchell, but this is probably one reason: The 2006-2007 BA Coach of the Year has never trusted Bargnani, feeling as though the Italian were imposed on the new management. Bargnani’s insubstantiality in the paint made the (negative) difference: The starting power-forward spot is well filled by an All-Star like Chris Bosh, and Mitchell sees in Bargnani only a center. But Bargnani hasn’t the weight, the moves, and the defensive ability to stay with big men, and thus the experiment with Bargnani existing somewhere between the bench and the starting five was a complete failure.
Now, Toronto has taken the opportunity to give to Bosh serious help in the line as Jermaine O’Neal comes to Air Canada Centre. The move is a clear signal to Bargnani: Marking the first change in big men (though possibly the last, as Nesterovic is now a Pacer, and Jawai is still immature) and with a contract entered its final year at $5.1 million with a team option in 2009-2010, this is Bargnani’s last chance to show his aptitude. Otherwise, his Canadian experience risks ending.
Marco Belinelli is in a similar situation, but his future is much brighter than Bargnani’s. The elements are the same: a young talented Italian player coming from many solid seasons in the Italian national league and the Euroleague, an exciting shooter endowed with an impressive temperament. Unfortunately, the trouble makes Belinelli akin to Bargnani is represented by the coach: In this case, his name is Don Nelson.
Famous for leaving rookies on the injured list or in the D-League, Nelson stated after the Summer League 2007 that Belinelli was “going to get many minutes next season,” but the words don’t match the facts: The former Fortitudo Bologna shooting guard played 7.3 minutes per in 33 games, scoring 2.9 points per game. Knowing Nelson, nobody must be surprised. This July, Belinelli was back on the Warriors’ Summer League roster. With thoughts of many returning to the previous summer, when the former no. 18 overall impressed everyone, he notched 17.8 points per game, with an encouraging 37% three-point shooting percentage. Is the future really changing for Belinelli?
Longing to show his real ability, the guy has taken this first difficult season as a year of training to fill in the gaps between some aspects of his game (particularly on the defense, but also physically) and that of other NBA players. If this feeling is true, Belinelli shouldn’t have too many problems finding minutes in the Warriors’ rotations, because he’s clearing not lacking in offensive talent. Even more, a revolution has undergone in the Golden State guard department, suggesting more frequent and better use of the Italian boy.
Belinelli will begin next season as Corey Maggette’s substitute, figuring a “fast and furious” starting five with PG Monta Ellis, Maggette at shooting guard, SF Stephen Jackson, PF Al Harrington, and center Andris Biedrins. On the bench, Marcus Williams and Kelenna Azubuike (the Warriors matched the Clippers’ offer for the English restricted free agent) are standouts, while Anthony Randolph still remains unevolved as a small forward. Not simple, but Belinelli has the quality to come out.
The rookie wall still stands there, as does Don Nelson again. But time is running short. The “Italian Stallion,” Danilo Gallinari, is ready to shine, and Belinelli and Bargnani don’t want to be left behind.
This article has been written by Francesco Cappelletti.
