Explore the latest developments concerning Celtics backup center.
Celtics backup center compels surprise change in win over Pacers
For much of the past month, Luka Garza was the forgotten man in the Celtics rotation. The veteran center began the season as Joe Mazzulla’s top option as a backup big after signing a two-year deal with Boston this offseason. However, the Celtics struggled with him on the court defensively, leading to his minutes being cut in early December. Days later, Garza fell out of the rotation as the team turned to small ball options at center like Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh.
After being out of the rotation for eight games this month, Garza finally got his chance again on December 20 against the Raptors with Jaylen Brown out and Jordan Walsh sick. He made the most of that opportunity with a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), earning another shot in a Pacers win Monday when Boston was shorthanded again without Walsh.
Celtics' Luka Garza: Limited to 11 minutes
Garza posted five points (1-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and three rebounds in 11 minutes during Sunday's 114-108 loss to the Trail Blazers.
Garza has been effective in limited minutes off the Boston bench recently. Over his last four appearances, he's seen 22.0 minutes per contest with 9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 60.0 percent shooting. His workload Sunday was disappointing, but he's certainly worth keeping an eye on in deeper formats.
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Celtics' free agency steal is making NBA look silly for letting him go
At first, Luka Garza carved out a solid role with the Boston Celtics. He was scoring in the pick-and-roll, screening everywhere on offense, and shooting pretty well from distance. Then, he fell out of the rotation completely. But fast forward to now, and Garza has finally found his true place in the Celtics’ rotation.
Garza is capitalizing on his best trait, his offensive rebounding. It’s allowed him to play more minutes than he has all season, and Boston has taken advantage of his skill set. Shooters wait for him to roll before they get up their threes, and Garza acts like a vacuum under the rim at all times.
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