The Boston Celtics took an opportunity on Luka Garza after he spent most of his profession on the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Boston had a severe lack of depth on the middle place with a decent funds and a principally uninspiring free agent pool to tug from. Garza was nonetheless unproven on the NBA degree after 4 years within the league, and sure didn’t generate a lot buzz, however managed to earn the eye of Brad Stevens.
There was a mutual match between the 2 events – Garza was on the lookout for an opportunity to have a significant position, and Boston was on the lookout for an affordable manner so as to add to their frontcourt. The expectations have been low, so something Luka was capable of carry can be a constructive.
Garza didn’t have a really particular season by any numerical metrics in comparison with league requirements, however he achieved career-highs in actually each main statistical class. He averaged 8.1 factors, 4.1 rebounds, 1 help, 0.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks, whereas having 57.7/43.3/65.7 capturing splits – all profession highs. All this was performed in 16.2 minutes per recreation, and 69 video games performed. The numbers in all probability gained’t soar out, however they point out that Luka was able to enjoying a task, and enjoying it nicely, as long as he acquired the chance.
It was extremely vital for Garza to be playable for Boston this 12 months. He wasn’t going to be the starter, however the Celtics wanted strong minutes that they might depend on behind Neemias Queta, which Luka was capable of present. Even Neemi wasn’t a assured starter, and needed to show himself in that position, which made Garza’s success much more essential, although Neemi did find yourself proving himself as nicely.
Luka had a number of electrical moments all through the season, hitting massive threes in shut video games, battling for rebound after rebound, and even a well timed block right here and there. His game-winning three over the Orlando Magic within the closing recreation of the season will dwell on in Celtics lore for a very long time. Greater than something, he impacted the sport by means of his mindset and vitality. In a season the place you’re anticipating position gamers to step up, it makes a large distinction.
Although, whereas the common season could be thought-about a relative success for Luka, the playoffs have been a special story. It was not totally his fault – the rotations seemed a lot totally different with Jayson Tatum and Nikola Vucevic again – however Luka was totally unremarkable. He performed in all seven of the Celtics playoff video games in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers, however solely 8.4 minutes per recreation. Joe Mazzulla tightened his lineups and deferred to Vuc as the primary massive off the bench.
The Celtics frontcourt usually discovered themselves in foul hassle, although, which pressured the group to make the most of extra depth. Between that and rubbish time, that’s the place Luka noticed most of his enjoying time. It makes it a lot more durable to gauge his reliability. Compound that with the truth that he was primarily matched up with Joel Embiid, one of the dominant bodily imposing massive males of the fashionable period (when wholesome), and it was a recipe for catastrophe. Garza usually noticed himself performed off the courtroom, a stark distinction from the place he was within the common season when the stakes have been a lot decrease.
Between seven video games, Garza performed round 60 whole minutes. In that point, he averaged 4.4 factors, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 50/30.8/87.5 capturing splits. Finally, he misplaced nearly the entire worth he confirmed over the course of the 12 months. Perhaps Boston wasn’t anticipating to make it to the post-season at first of the 12 months, however having an additional physique who turns into near-unplayable when it issues isn’t perfect.
Vuc was seemingly anticipated to take Garza’s spot within the rotation regardless given their histories, however both manner, it turned fairly clear that Luka can’t be greater than a quantity three in that scenario as issues stand. That’s to not say he doesn’t nonetheless have worth – personally I discovered him to be one in every of, if not essentially the most enjoyable story of the 12 months. His limitless hustle, his coronary heart and dedication, and his pure grit made him extremely simple to root for. On high of that, I actually loved seeing his father hyping him up and supporting the group at each flip.
All in all, Luka exceeded expectations. He had a a lot greater affect in Boston than Minnesota, however didn’t finally show to make sufficient of a soar to maneuver up in tier as a participant. It was a great transfer by Boston to carry him in, and he might have earned a spot for subsequent season too. He has yet one more assured 12 months on his deal – it’s only a matter of how depending on in him Boston is prepared to be. Given the playoff outcomes, I might anticipate him to maneuver down a slot within the rotation.
