Langston Galloway was the star of a dismal New York Knicks' season last year. The point guard was a big reason why the team failed to get the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft as he thrived in place of Jose Calderon. Galloway took advantage of his added time on the court, but is not guaranteed a thing coming into the new season. With Jose Calderon fighting for a roster spot and Jerian Grant aiming to prove himself, is Galloway at risk of getting cut?
Galloway signed a contract this season that is only partially guaranteed which makes him a risk to get release regardless. The biggest factor in his future could be Calderon and what New York opts to do with the veteran. Right now, Ian Begley is reporting a trade of Calderon is not happening in the near future. That does not mean he will not be sent elsewhere come the mid-season deadline. The Knicks continue to get linked to high-profile point guards that could impact both Calderon and Galloway going forward.
According to international basketball website Gigantes del Basket, the Knicks are interested in Ricky Rubio who could end up being on the trade blocks should Minnesota like the development of Tyus Jones. A trade for Rubio would require either Calderon or Galloway to be sent packing. The same can be said for Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Jennings who are also at risk of being traded by their respective teams.
Calderon is aiming for a bounce-back year. Right now, the New York Daily News has him penciled in as the starting point guard for the new season. After dealing with injuries for most of last year, Phil Jackson has been seeking to deal the veteran and will do so at the first good package presented to him. Until then, the starting job is Calderon's for the taking. If he were to get the nod, Galloway could be released based on roster needs. Jackson has been very complimentary of Grant and he could take the edge over Galloway.
"He knows the game and has a certain flair for it," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "He's quick, has 3-point range, knows how to pass, can break a defense down with his handle, knows how to get through screens and is comfortable getting people involved on offense."
The Knicks are building around Carmelo Anthony, They need the best point guard that compliments Anthony and Arron Afflalo on offense. If that is not Galloway, he runs the risk of getting cut.