Andrea Bargnani playing through torn thumb ligament

See, this is why there's going to be such a robust market for Andrea Bargnani as a free agent this summer: He's a gamer. He's tough. Nobody cares more about being out on the floor.

That's why even in a lost season, Bargnani is playing through injury for the New York Knicks.

Bargnani suffered a partially torn ligament in his left thumb last week but will continue playing, according to a report from Frank Isola of New York Daily News. The impending unrestricted free agent reportedly wants to continue showing interested teams - including, perhaps, the Knicks - that he can produce after four seasons of limited action due to repeated injury trouble.

In 28 games, Bargnani has averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one block, shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from long range. Modest though those numbers may seem relative to his personal peak, but it's better production than his past two years, and at a more efficient rate.

The Italian former No. 1 pick should command at least a veteran minimum deal this offseason.