"There he was this month, his stoic Fellini-film face, his squared shoulders, his feet tap dancing on the hardwood as he stayed torso to torso with LeBron, with Kobe, with Melo.

It's unclear whether Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari ever will be a one-name star, but the symbolism of his defensive dedication is clear — he wants to challenge the best.

Gallinari, 23, is having a breakout season on both ends of the court. So the Nuggets locked him up Wednesday for the next four seasons. Gallinari's acceptance of a $42 million-plus contract extension shows that the Denver front office believes what coach George Karl has said, that Gallo could be an NBA all-star someday."