Newly Signed Langston Galloway Gives Pistons Backcourt Much Needed Depth
The Detroit Pistons signed guard Langston Galloway this summer. This acquisition fulfills a formidable Detroit Pistons guard rotation.
The day before trading for defensive talent Avery Bradley, the Detroit Pistons signed Langston Galloway to a three-year/$21-million deal. Now facing a full backcourt rotation, the Pistons have depth beyond most.
Galloway will join Ish Smith in the second unit, after the two averaged a combined 17.3 points and 6.5 assists last season. After dealing with starting point guard Reggie Jackson’s repeated injury last season, the Pistons front office learned their lesson.
Now they’re preparing for the worst, in the best way.
Background
Undrafted out of Saint Joseph, Langston Galloway appeared for the New York Knicks 45 games his rookie season, posting averages of 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Unfortunately for “Langsanity,” minute restriction his sophomore season would yield further development.
Last summer, Galloway signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, but saw even less minutes in a mediocre point guard rotation. Later included in the trade package for DeMarcus Cousins, he appeared 19 games for Sacramento before becoming a free agent.
Now, Galloway has joined the Detroit Pistons, who faced some confusion at the point guard position last year. A combo guard, he’ll likely see most of his minutes at the two, barring any injury.
Benchwarming
Though on a three-year deal Galloway will still be a man on a mission, looking to prove his place in a four guard rotation. Last season Detroit’s backcourt ranked 23rd among the league in scoring, and 28th in three-point percentage (per Hoops Stats).
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This guard’s hot hand and even hotter percentage from deep will impact those numbers immediately, complementing some of the team’s biggest needs.
Last season, Galloway averaged 7.3 points on 43 percent shooting from deep.
Beyond his scoring ability, Galloway is considered a sizable defender along the perimeter. With teams shifting to two point guard rotations, he’s considered capable of guarding both guard positions.
With Bradley and Galloway swapping out at the two, the Pistons defense is destined to improve.
Last season, the Pistons backcourt held opponents to 43.4 points per game, while they shot 43 percent from the field. Those are some of the best numbers in the league, and with Galloway, they can only progress.
It’s hard to see Galloway transcending a bench role this year, but with Jackson’s health still up in the air, he may see more minutes than expected.
His offensive versatility makes him a good match for any guard on the Pistons roster.
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Defensively, you have to wonder if Stan Van Gundy will run a Bradley-Galloway backcourt somewhere down the line. Fingers crossed.