When the Celtics signed Luka Garza on the first day of free agency, it was clear they wanted to grab some big man depth after their offseason changes. Turns out, the C’s were also looking at another Timberwolves forward in Josh Minott.
The C’s ended up signing two ex-Minnesota players in free agency. Garza said he didn’t talk to Minott before the signing, but he did give his teammate a call immediately after hearing the news.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” Garza told reporters in Las Vegas. “When he was a rookie, we went down to Iowa together to play for the Iowa Wolves, went through training camp and then kind of made it up together to the Timberwolves and started to see opportunities. Both of us.
“Both of us quite honestly really did produce when we did get those opportunities. We just didn’t see too many of them just because of how stacked a roster we had. So it’s cool to see and to have someone come with you that you have a good relationship with. I feel like me and him have always connected on the floor just playing with each other so it’s going to be cool to have the opportunity to continue that in Boston.”
Both Garza and Minott should have opportunities for minutes next season — it’s partly why they both signed with Boston. As Garza noted, they were both buried on the Timberwolves’ depth chart over the past few seasons. Garza has put up solid numbers when given minutes while Minott is looking to leave his imprint on the league.
The Celtics currently only have Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta for their bigs when it comes to the standard roster, so Garza figures to be part of the depth there. The C’s lost Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet this summer with Al Horford likely on his way out. That means the center rotation will look different come training camp as Garza will be a name to watch early on and throughout the season.
Minott should also figure to be in the battle for wing minutes. Guys like Georges Niang, Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman are also part of the conversation. But regardless, Jayson Tatum’s absence will mean a significant amount of playing time up for grabs for whoever emerges out of the wings. Fortunately for both Minott and Garza, they at least one have familiar face in the Celtics locker room.
“From the Iowa days, I think we know he’s unstoppable on the offensive end for sure,” Minott said. “So he’s going to be someone that can really space the floor. You can’t leave him open. Energy guy, he’s gonna get every o-board.”
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