The New York Knicks have seen this once before. An unknown point guard steps in and simply begins lighting it up on the court. Knicks fans remember the time of Linsanity well and now seem to be getting a Part 2 with Langston Galloway who just signed a contract through next season after excelling through two 10-day deals. Galloway is currently dominating for the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony is giving him the maybe not-so-nice comparison to Jeremy Lin.
Galloway has created a bit of a stir for the Knicks who were desperate for some kind of momentum to shift their way. The point guard has been the rare bright spot as he comes off an 18-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is currently averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds with 3.2 assists while helping New York win the last four of five games. Now he is all anyone can talk about.
"I don't know man, I would say probably 'Linsanity,'" Anthony said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "[Jeremy Lin] wasn't a rookie but he was here and he had that mindset of taking the big shot when he first got here. I don't like to compare anything, but Langston's mindset of being willing to take that big shot, take the open shot, just having the opportunity out there, I think Langston loves those moments."
Galloway has been inserted into a starting role alongside Jose Calderon and suddenly the offense is moving. Head coach Derek Fisher notes that the young point guard is simply taking advantage of the moment and playing without any fear. The Knicks brought up three players and motivated them with 10-day deals, something that appears to be paying off in big ways.
"Langston can play," Anthony said. "I don't think a lot of people know about him. But he can play basketball. Even going back to training camp, early in preseason, we knew he could play basketball. He's great at getting in the paint, he can score the basketball. If he don't have something, he'll find the open man. That's what he's been doing."
The success of Galloway could force the Knicks into making trades sooner rather than later. Several teams are hungry for a point guard or shooting guard at the moment and having Galloway playing well means players like Tim Hardaway Jr, Pablo Prigioni and even Calderon are expendable at the right price. The success of the three new players means the Knicks have flexibility to get the trade deals they are aiming for. Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas are awaiting their futures as both see their deals expiring Thursday and Friday respectively.
