Langston Galloway could be the missing link in Detroit’s offense
Langston Galloway was signed to a three-year, $21 million contract this summer by the Detroit Pistons. Panned by some, this deal seems to be paying off.
Five games into the season, the Detroit Pistons’ offense has been hot and cold, scoring over 110 points on three occasions but only 86 in the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Although the Pistons have shown small improvements on last season’s average in the early part of the season, they have been heavily reliant on Tobias Harris.
Averaging 23.6 points per game, more than 8 more than the next best Piston, Harris is on pace for his best season to date. In Detroit’s three wins, Harris has been Detroit’s top scorer putting up 27, 31 and 34.
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The reliance on Harris, however, is clearest to see in Detroit’s losses this season. Harris has just 26 points combined in Detroit’s two losses this season. Since the Pistons can’t expect Harris to score 30 on a nightly basis, they should have plans in place to take some of the scoring burden off him should he have an off night.
What is the solution?
This is where free-agent signing Langston Galloway can excel and help balance out Detroit’s scoring. A talented scorer, Galloway has been excellent in his short Pistons career, despite limited playing time. (16.8 mpg and a DNP-CD versus the Knicks) Galloway is averaging 8.8 points per game and is shooting lights out, leading the team in field goal and three-point percentage with 59 percent and 57 percent respectively.
Galloway’s chemistry with Ish Smith and vital floor spacing has been crucial to Detroit’s second unit so far. Galloway has recorded an impressive +/- of +39, showing his value to the team when he steps onto the court.
With more minutes for Galloway, we could see exciting three guard lineups including Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley and Galloway. This would allow Van Gundy more versatility and unpredictability that would help Detroit score more points.
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Although it is unlikely that Galloway will be able to keep up this kind of shooting percentage, he has shown enough promise to earn more minutes and be Detroit’s top scoring option off the bench. While not there yet, Galloway’s scoring ability along with his experience at point guard could see the fourth year player morph into a top NBA sixth man, similar in style to Eric Gordon.