It's safe to say that Luka Garza hasn't always had the clearest path with the Boston Celtics.
When the Celtics acquired Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the move initially pushed Garza down the depth chart. He had earned the team’s backup center role earlier in the season, but with Vucevic entering the mix, his minutes decreased.
However, Vucevic struggled to get into a rhythm, averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds across 12 games, shooting 44.5% from the field before going down with a ring finger fracture to his shooting hand. Since Vucevic has been sidelined, Garza has capitalized on the opportunity, averaging 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds, shooting 40.6% from three on 2.7 attempts in March.
Although Vucevic is hoping to return before the playoffs start, the Celtics cannot afford to reduce Garza’s role. His steady impact around the rim has earned him consistent minutes off the bench, and playing him should remain a priority even with Vucevic back in the lineup.
Luka Garza Has Earned Consistent Minutes
Since the Celtics lost several of their crucial contributors on the glass in the offseason, head coach Joe Mazzulla made rebounding a priority early on in the season by subbing players out if they allowed an offensive rebound.
Thanks to his relentless motor, Garza has thrived in this system. Although his 3.9 rebounds in 15.8 minutes may not seem like much, he is, however, averaging 2.3 offensive rebounds, which ranks 23rd in the NBA. This has created plenty of second-chance opportunities for him and the Celtics, with the team ranking fifth in the category (17.1).
Garza’s strong efforts on the glass have played a critical part in his breakout season, setting career-highs in points (7.6) and games played (62) with Boston, but his growth as a shooter has expanded his impact.
Before this season, Garza was not known for his shooting, having made just 49 career threes through four seasons. This season alone, Garza has slowly emerged as a threat from downtown, nailing 47 threes, hitting 43.1% of his 1.8 three-point attempts.
Confidence Is on the Rise
Celtics fans can see Garza's confidence grow from long distance, as he’s nailed at least one three-pointer in 11 consecutive games. This development in his game has made him more involved in the offense, as he’s seen more looks on pick-and-pops.
With 10 games left before the playoffs start and Vucevic expected to be returning soon, it’ll be intriguing to see if the Celtics reduce Garza’s role again. Even so, if the Celtics are to make a deep playoff run, they cannot cast aside Garza entirely.
The Eastern Conference has some physically tough teams, such as the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Because the Celtics struggled against the Pistons and Knicks this season, it would be wise if they keep Garza in the rotation, as he’s proven to be capable of providing contributions on the glass.
Garza has earned his minutes with his consistent effort around the rim and progression as a shooter. His grit and toughness will be crucial against these physical teams in the playoffs.
Regardless of how the rotation looks with Vucevic back on the floor, Garza deserves meaningful minutes in the postseason.