Langston Galloway was a breakout star last season. The rookie point guard was a big reason why the New York Knicks did not finish with the worst record in the NBA as he came on late as a huge playmaker for the team. Galloway took over as Jose Calderon dealt with injuries and proved he is the real deal. However, one season of success did not earn him a guaranteed contract and now the point guard is on thin ice in New York.
Galloway will be competing for the starting job in 2015 despite his success last season. Calderon has returned healthy for the team and Jerian Grant comes in as the hungry rookie. Galloway is not guaranteed anything as Ian Begley of ESPN.com reports he is at risk of getting released if Grant and Calderon look strong in training camp. Galloway told the New York Daily News that he has no plans of being just a one-hit wonder.
"I'm not satisfied at all," Galloway said, via SiriusXM NBA Radio. "I'm just trying to make my mark each game that goes by and I'm definitely still trying to prove myself to the world that 'hey, I can continue to belong in this league and continue to do the same thing I did last year.'"
The Knicks have their doubts about whether or not Galloway can capitalize off the momentum gained last season. Team president Phil Jackson stressed that while the point guard showed potential last year, he must prove he can keep things up in year two with the team. Jackson also noted that he likes what Grant brings to the court as the rookie is a threat to earn the job over Galloway. Meanwhile, Calderon is looking to return as the starter following a year of injuries. He has been in talks for trade deals, but the veteran is confident he sticks around for the season.
"You never know in the NBA, but I was pretty confident after the [exit] meetings, knowing the players they were looking for, the way we were going, they were counting on me coming back'' Calderon said, via the New York Post. "I was never worried. It doesn't mean I know for sure, but I was told I wasn't involved in those trades and people I trust tell me that. And I talked to Derek [Fisher] during their free-agent meetings, so they were keeping me always in the loop.''
Much of the future with Calderon or Galloway will be determined by what kind of trade deals the Knicks can land. If players like Ricky Rubio, Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Jennings become available, Jackson will not hesitate to pull the trigger on something. Either Galloway or Calderon could be included in a trade deal if need be.