Five Goals for Langston Galloway’s 2017-2018 Season

The Detroit Pistons signed guard Langston Galloway to a three-year, $21 million deal in free agency. What should he aim to accomplish in the 2017-2018 season?

The Detroit Pistons went out and signed Langston Galloway on day one of free agency this past offseason. Galloway brings positional flexibility, being able to play both point guard and shooting guard. Most of his minutes figure to come at shooting guard this year, assuming Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith run the point.

Here are a few goals to keep an eye on for him this year.

1. Play 15 minutes per game

The shooting guard position will be manned by Avery Bradley, who figures to see close to 35 minutes a night based on his offensive and defensive prowess. This would leave 13 minutes up for grabs at the 2 for Galloway and rookie Luke Kennard, the 12th overall pick in June by the Pistons. Reggie Bullock could be in the mix at shooting guard as well, depending on how Stan Van Gundy sets up his forward rotation.

If Galloway can seize the majority of the reserve shooting guard minutes, that would likely put him in the 12-14 minute range. Being able to run the point in instances of foul trouble with Ish Smith and Reggie Jackson could also prove beneficial, and help him reach the 15-minute threshold. Also, this number is contingent on Reggie Jackson’s health, as any setbacks for him would open the door for Galloway even further.

2. Remain a knockdown 3-point shooter

One of the main reasons Van Gundy coveted Galloway in free agency is for his above-average shooting ability. He knocked down threes at an outstanding 39.3% clip last season. This included 19 games with the Sacramento Kings after the trade deadline where he shot 47.5% from deep.

Shooting was a major woe for the Detroit Pistons last year, especially off the bench. Galloway can provide quick scoring, and if he’s able to be effective early in the season, he’ll likely be in the rotation to stay.

3. Defensive toughness

While undersized for a shooting guard, at 6’2″, Galloway is regarded as an above-average defender of both guard positions. This gives Van Gundy the ability to pair him with any other guard on the roster.

The Pistons needed a perimeter defender to go along with Avery Bradley after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s departure, and Galloway can be that guy. Defense could be the biggest difference between him and Kennard in the battle for minutes.

4. Improve passing

Galloway has a career average of just over 2 assists per game in nearly 25 minutes per game since he came into the league. Known primarily as a “three and D” player, the ability to create for teammates could really expand his game.

This is not an imperative goal to accomplish, but there is definitely room for improvement in his passing. Furthermore, it may become more of a vital goal should he have to replace Jackson or Smith at the point and run the offense for an extended period.

5. Become a leader

Galloway is regarded around the league as a high-character player. He played four years of college basketball at St. Joseph’s and went undrafted. Detroit is his fourth NBA team in just three years, so the willingness of the Pistons to give him a contract that many considered to be an overpayment shows that they saw more in him.

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Sticking around in the NBA can be very difficult, so the work Galloway put in paid off in the form of a three-year deal. Look for him to take advantage of the opportunity he has and to become a dependable player on and off the court for the Detroit Pistons.