Celtics’ $5.5 Million Move Could Be the Steal of the Offseason
The Boston Celtics made plenty of headlines this summer for reshaping their roster. But one of their quieter moves, signing center Luka Garza to a modest two-year, $5.5 million deal, is starting to get attention.
At the time, Garza was projected as depth behind Neemias Queta and Chris Boucher. After three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he played sparingly, few expected Boston’s investment to pay immediate dividends. Yet, insiders believe he may be one of the most intriguing breakout candidates on the roster.
Celtics Insider Sees Garza as Breakout Option
Jay King of The Athletic recently spotlighted Garza’s potential in a deep dive on Boston’s roster construction. He pointed out how Garza’s limited NBA minutes still show plenty of upside.
Over his career, Garza has posted an offensive rebound rate of 15.9 percent. That figure would have ranked second in the NBA last season among qualified players. Per 36 minutes, he has averaged 25.8 points and 9.1 rebounds. The catch is that those numbers came in just 584 total minutes across three years. Still, the production hints at untapped potential if Boston gives him steady opportunities.
Why Boston Might Take the Gamble
There are clear concerns. As King noted, Garza has not proven he can defend the rim at a high level, which is crucial for a Celtics team built around defensive identity. His outside shot is also a question mark.
But Boston is in evaluation mode. With Jayson Tatum sidelined long-term and the frontcourt thinned by the departures of Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet, opportunities are wide open.
Garza’s college résumé is a reminder of what he can do when trusted. A two-time First Team All-American at Iowa and a two-time Sporting News Player of the Year, he was once one of the most dominant double-double machines in the country.
The Celtics’ Big Man Picture
The Celtics enter camp with options at center: Queta, Boucher, Garza, Xavier Tillman, and rookie Amari Williams. On paper, it’s depth. But the talent hierarchy is unsettled.
If Garza can bring his energy, offensive rebounding, and scoring punch to Boston’s second unit, he may carve out a bigger role than expected. Nobody is expecting him to become an All-Star, but in a season of transition, he has a chance to become one of the Celtics’ quiet success stories.
Lakers face nightmare scenario if defense doesn’t improve next year
Defense wins championships, right? As currently constructed, the Los Angeles Lakers better hope that is not the entire truth.
The Lakers will head into the new 2025-26 NBA season with a defense that projects to be rather underwhelming. Jovan Buha was not shy about sharing how challenging the present situation may look. The Lakers reporter delivered thoughts regarding the unit on a
Buha said, "Is the Lakers having a top defense sustainable? I will say no. ... For nearly 60 games of the season, the Lakers were a bottom 10 defense. Then, for 24 games, they were the best defense. They're closer to being a bottom 10 defense than the best defense."
The Lakers reporter believed the ceiling of this current group would fall somewhere between the 11th to 14th best unit on that end. Buha thought they would need another move to truly break into the top 10 best defenses in the NBA next season.
Lakers need a big upgrade before championship contention
The assessment here is more than fair. It also gives major credence to the recent rumors that have been circling around the Lakers.
Marc Stein was the first insider to come out and suggest Rob Pelinka and the front office are loosening their stance on being cautious and allowing themselves more aggression with
Both of those men suggested the goal for the Lakers was clear: add a two-way wing. The emphasis on the rumored target being one who can raise the ceiling of the team is important. In particular, that boost should come on the defensive end.
There should be little doubt that a team with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves is going to be a great unit on offense. Anyone saying otherwise does not deserve to be taken seriously.
However, balance is key. The defensive aspect of the floor has continued to be integral to championship teams over this past decade.
In the last 10 NBA seasons, eight of the 10 champions that hoisted the Larry O'Brien at season's end had a top 10 defensive rating during the regular season. The lone exceptions were the 2023 Denver Nuggets and the 2018 Golden State Warriors.
In the case of the Warriors, they turned it on during the 2018 NBA Playoffs, catapulting themselves towards the top unit in the postseason. Likewise, the Nuggets had the fourth best defensive rating in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
The Lakers need stoppers. Otherwise, they will be under threat of being unceremoniously carved up when it matters most.
