You know, it really wasn’t all that long ago that Langston Galloway was making hustle plays, draining jumpers, and impressing with some sneaky-good slams.
In fact, it was yesterday.
In his first NBA start, the 23 year-old rookie was second in team scoring with 21 points behind Carmelo Anthony en route to a Knicks win — the team’s first since December 12th after losing fifteen straight games.
On his second ten day contract with the Knicks, the former Saint Joseph’s guard is turning some heads with impressive play. After the win, Knicks head coach Derek Fisher said that Galloway “is not afraid of the moment. That is what special of a young player who is fighting in this league.”
Increasingly, this appears to be the case every time the Hawks’ second all-time leading scorer walks on an NBA court. Averaging over twenty-five minutes through his first five games, Galloway is averaging an even twelve points per game while shooting 42% from the field and 38% from deep.
Other than his steady-as-she-goes guard play in the Knicks’ triangle — making the right pass and his trademark smooth jumper — it’s been Galloway’s athleticism that has, perhaps, led to greater recognition. You see, in his second NBA game, he did this:
And then, last night — in his fifth NBA game, mind you — he did this:
Phil Martelli, after watching the putback jam against the Rockets, said “How in the heck could I have lost 10 games last year with a kid who can jump to the moon and who can make that play at the highest level?”
As Galloway continues to impress, one hopes that he will get the nod and receive a contract for the rest of the season. As hapless as the Knicks have been, he just might be able to provide some memorable moments in an otherwise forgettable season.
