Getting to know New Orleans Pelicans’ Langston Galloway

Finished 2016 in a noticeable slump

When the former D-Leaguer was called to the Knicks bench midway through the 2014-15 season, he set the team on fire with his instant offense and tenacity on the defense end.  While playing in only 45 games, he still managed to make his way onto the 2nd All-Rookie Team, the only undrafted player to boast that mark.

In just 32 minutes per game, the Baton Rouge native managed 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game.

All signs pointed to a dramatic leap in his sophomore season.

But with surprising success comes notice from ones peers.

Per Ryan Lazo of the NY Post:

“They’ve just tried to limit me,” Galloway said. “I’m not the type of guy who goes on the scouting reports as the go-to guy. … They’ve been pressuring me and not giving me any open looks because most of the time, I’ll knock them down.”

Galloway couldn’t break the 40% mark in two or three point shooting until January, when he enjoyed his best month to date shooting 49% from two and 39% from three. He could not maintain the momentum, plummeting back to 40% and 32% in February, 31% and 25% in March and finishing with 35% and 33% in April.

Before you raise your arms in disgust, it’s important to remember that Galloway was given a much larger role with the absence of superstar Carmelo Anthony and the minutes restriction put on young man Kristaps Porzingis.  As teams began to game plan Galloway and his usage rate increased, it seems his first full season of NBA basketball may have caught up with him.

It’s also important to note that he kept great control over the ball even with his continued usage, turning the ball over less than once per game in most outings.  With better players around him and overall depth, he should see more shots fall this season.

Next: What was all this one in a million talk?!