When the Boston Celtics acquired Luka Garza during the offseason, he was viewed as a developmental player. He had spent the past four seasons struggling to break into Chris Finch’s rotation with the Minnesota Timberwolves, after struggling with the Detroit Pistons during his rookie season.
Yet, Garza has emerged as a reliable role player for Boston. His screen setting, floor spacing and rebounding have all been key to the team's bench unit. Now, as the regular season is winding down, Garza looks like an underrated pickup by Brad Stevens.
During a recent interview with Spencer Davies of RG.org, Garza admitted that when he checks into games for the Celtics, his focus is on bringing energy to the rotation.
“No.1, just my energy as I go into the game,” Garza said. “I think being able to go in a game and change the energy of it is an important thing. I think the ways I do that are through my screening, most importantly, getting guys open, getting guys to their spots.”
Garza is currently second on the Celtics for total screen assists this season with 141, generating 323 points. His screening is the clearest indication of the energy he’s trying to bring when on the floor, as he’s emerged as one of the more reliable screeners in the NBA.
Outside of his screening, Garza is third on the Celtics in contested two-point shots, as he looks to disprove the narrative about him being a subpar defender.
With another year left on his current contract, Garza has plenty of time to continue developing his game and proving his worth to Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens. He’s plugged a sizeable gap following the departure of Luke Kornet this past summer. If his production continues at its current level, there’s no reason to assume the franchise won’t re-sign him so he can extend his stay in the city of champions.
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