New York Knicks Should Bring Langston Galloway Back
The Sacramento Kings are expected to waive guard Langston Galloway. If Sacramento proceeds to do so, the New York Knicks should bring Galloway back.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings turned the basketball world on its head with what ranks amongst the biggest trades in recent history. Though this doesn’t directly impact the New York Knicks, there is a residual effect that could pique Phil Jackson’s interest.
As a result of the trade between the Kings and Pelicans, it stands to reason that the Knicks could bring a former player back to New York: Langston Galloway.
Galloway was one of the players included in the package that New Orleans sent to Sacramento. Though included in the deal, it appears as though his tenure with the Kings could be brief in its nature.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Kings are likely to waive Galloway.
This creates a golden opportunity for the Knicks to acquire affordable help in the backcourt.
Galloway played the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons as a member of the Knicks organization. He played 19 games for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA D-League before making his New York debut on Jan. 17, 2015.
From there, he appeared in all 127 of New York’s games over the course of a two-year span.
During his tenure with the Knicks, Galloway provided defensive intensity, positional versatility, and a respectable stroke from beyond the arc.
Though inefficient from within the 3-point line, Galloway has truly come into his own as a shooter in 2016-17.
Galloway is currently averaging 8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 3-point field goals made in 20.4 minutes per game. He’s shooting just 37.4 percent from the field, but is converting at a clip of 37.7 percent from 3-point range.
Galloway is averaging a career-best 15.1 points and 3.2 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes and is shooting efficiently from distance.
On the defensive end of the floor, Galloway’s effort is consistent. That shouldn’t be a reason for praise, but effort has been one of New York’s primary flaws during the 2016-17 season.
New Orleans experienced the positive effect of Galloway’s presence, as it posted defensive ratings of 104.0 with Galloway on the court and 105.1 without him.
Adding Galloway wouldn’t have the same effect as adding a star, but it could be a beneficial move. New York’s backcourt, namely the point guard position, has been the primary source of the defensive woes during the 2016-17 season.
Even if Galloway can’t lock a player down, the fact that he’d try is reason enough to covet him as a waiver wire acquisition.
On the offensive end of the floor, Galloway would fit Jeff Hornacek’s system as a 3-point shooter who can occasionally put the ball on the floor. He’s also proven to be fearless in the clutch.
Fans will rationally hope for a bigger name to be acquired, but Galloway could provide stability on both ends of the floor.
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The New York Knicks were unable to re-sign Langston Galloway this past summer, but he would be a wise mid-season addition to a team in need of his talents.