What will Jaylin Galloway bring to the Bucks? NBL star seizes NBA opportunity with two-way contract

The Sydney Kings of Australia's National Basketball League have produced yet another NBA player, this time in the form of Jaylin Galloway. 

Galloway, an athletic wing who has been with the Kings for the past four years, was this week announced as the latest signing for the Milwaukee Bucks, joining the contender on a two-year, two-way contract. 

Just 21 years old, Galloway has had significant NBA interest for some time now, including a stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023 NBA Summer League.

Get right to it, Galloway. 😤@Bucks x #HerdUp 🦌 pic.twitter.com/BUFRhSI8YK

— Wisconsin Herd (@WisconsinHerd) March 6, 2024

So just what will the Australian bring to the title-contending Bucks?

What will Jaylin Galloway bring to the Bucks?

In all likelihood, Galloway will not see a large amount of court time this season, coming in at the tail end of the campaign for a team that more or less has its rotations set for a long playoff run. 

But that doesn't mean he won't be needed by the Bucks, with the Townsville native bringing a number of desirable qualities to the team. 

Depth at forward position

For starters, Galloway is an extra body that can be used at the wing/forward position, playing anything from a two-guard to a small-ball four. 

In looking at the depth chart, Galloway will likely slot in behind guys like Khris Middleton, Jae Crowder, Pat Connaughton, Andre Jackson Jr., and MarJon Beauchamp, however, both Middleton and Beauchamp are currently out due to injury, and with a number of the other listed names also able to play multiple positions, it's not inconceivable that Galloway could see some minutes depending on the situation. 

Jaylin Galloway transition defence into dunk of the season? pic.twitter.com/skElKxVmmm

— Jordan McCallum (@jordanmcnbl) October 24, 2023

While it's worth noting that new coach Doc Rivers is hesitant to play younger players, with both Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. seeing their minutes slashed since he took over from Andre Griffin just before the All-Star break, a strong showing from Galloway could see him force himself into the rotation. 

Youth and athleticism 

One major benefit of signing Galloway is his youth, giving the Bucks a long runway as they seek to develop him into a consistent NBA role player. 

Just 21 years old, the Australian has been playing in the NBL since he was just 17, and has become one of the league's most exciting players, a finalist for the 2023-24 Most Improved Player award with many thinking he was stiff not to win it. 

Galloway's most intriguing aspects are his athleticism and versatility, able to jump out of the gym and play lockdown defence when required. 

As a two-way player, he will spend significant time in the G-League, where he will no doubt be given the opportunity to show what makes him such a special player. 

Jaylin Galloway 2023-24 NBL season stats

Galloway became a major contributor for Sydney this season, nearly doubling his output in all major statistical categories. 

The Bucks signed Sydney Kings forward Jaylin Galloway to a two-way contract. #NBA pic.twitter.com/1nJZjqNI6a

— KJ (@PointForwardPro) March 1, 2024

He was a routine starter for the Kings, often charged with the opposing team's best offensive player, but still found time to chip in 10 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. 

• 23 games played
• 10.3 points
• 3.4 rebounds
• 1.4 assists
• 1.2 Steals
• 0.3 blocks
• 54 percent field goal shooting
• 34 percent 3-point shooting
• 59 free-throw percentage

Sydney Kings launchpad to the NBA

With his signing in Milwaukee, Galloway has become the latest of several Sydney Kings players and personnel to make the leap to the NBA. 

This includes numerous rookies, veteran players, as well as coaching staff.