New York Knicks: 5 Players Who Need to Be Re-Signed

Langston Galloway

Position: Guard

Age: 24

Pending Status: Restricted Free Agent

Slash Line: .402/.359/.753

Season Averages: 24.9 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 3PM

Langston Galloway is a lite combination of two players: Derek Fisher and John Starks. He doesn’t do anything at an elite level, is undersized for the 2, and lacks the traditional point guard skills, but he’s a committed defender who isn’t afraid of taking—and making—the big shot.

To let him go would be to give up on a player who could potentially anchor the second unit and come up clutch in key postseason moments.

Of the vast number of lineups the Knicks have used, only two with a sample size of 20-plus games have a positive +/-. The five-man grouping with the highest +/- on the team includes Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony, Robin Lopez, and Lance Thomas.

Running point for that group is Galloway.

Galloway can space the floor, defend both backcourt positions, and provide a selfless impact as both a starter and a reserve. He’s quick enough to take on the point guards who are exploiting Jose Calderon‘s defensive ineffectiveness, and strong enough to battle against off-guards.

Galloway is shooting 35.9 percent from 3-point range, holding opponents to a decent 43.4 percent shooting from the field, and routinely stepping up in the fourth quarter. Bring him back.

Next: Mr. Reliable