Celtics Signee Luka Garza Explains Why He Signed With Boston

The Celtics roster underwent a major overhaul this summer. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire upcoming NBA season due to the Achilles injury he suffered in the playoffs, Boston had to adjust their expectations. Part of that meant signing cheaper free agents than they might normally pursue, including C Luka Garza, who signed a deal with the team on June 30th.

“I’m motivated every single offseason,” he told Bobby Krivitsky. “My mindset is all about trying to maximize, y’know, the talents that God gave me and become the best basketball player I can become. Especially when you’re walking into a situation where it seems like there’s a lot of opportunity. That’s something that’s extremely exciting for me.”

Garza continued: “It feels like this is a moment where not only the work this summer, but the work that I’ve been doing my whole life, especially since I got to the league has prepared me for what’s to come.”

Luka Garza Highlights the Opportunity Available in Boston

Jess Rapfogel/GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JULY 23: Luka Garza of the Boston Celtics throws a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Washington Nationals and the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park on July 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

After Tatum’s injury, the Celtics began shedding salary in anticipation of essentially a wasted year, or at least a year in limbo. First, they dealt starting point guard Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a pair of second-round picks. Next, they traded away starting center Kristaps Porzingis as part of a three-team deal to move off his salary. Boston also elected to allow part-time starter/super sixth-man Al Horford to walk in free agency, and watched backup center Luke Kornet sign with the Spurs.

Porzingis, Horford, and Kornet comprised the Celtics’ entire center rotation in meaningful games last year. They return Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman Sr., who got spot minutes throughout the regular season and due to injuries. It’s a wide open depth chart at Garza’s position, which he indicated was a major factor in his decision to sign with the team. He’ll have to beat out two players who have spent a few years with the team, but there’s a real chance Garza could start at center this year for the Celtics.

Luka Garza Could Be Featured for the First Time Since College

Garza spent four years in college at Iowa, during which he became one of the best players in the country. After a breakout sophomore season in which he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten, Garza won back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year awards and earned consensus first-team All-America honors both years. As a senior, he also won National Player of the Year. He was a second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2021, and he started five games as rookie, though he only played in 32.

Since then, he spent three years in Minnesota, playing anywhere from 25-40 games per season and average five to eight minutes per game. He was a deep reserve for the Timberwolves, only getting playing time due to injury or in blowouts. That has a chance to change this year in Boston.

At Iowa, Garza was one of the nation’s most prolific scorers and dominant rebounders. Between his junior and senior seasons, he averaged 24 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, adding 1.5 assists and 1.7 blocks for good measure. His senior year, he averaged 44 percent from 3 on three attempts per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. While his defensive limitations have likely been the reason for his limited role thus far in the NBA, he can be an incredibly potent offensive weapon, and now gets a chance to flex his skills with the Celtics.