The Boston Celtics are facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season, with a current record of 1-3 as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. One of the team’s most pressing issues has been rebounding, a problem exacerbated by the offseason departures of their top three centers: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis. As a result, the Celtics have been relying on a mix of bench players to handle the responsibilities in the paint.
Among those filling the void is Luka Garza, a fifth-year player who signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Celtics this past July. Garza, a former standout at Iowa, spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, struggling to find substantial playing time on a roster filled with talent. Over 92 games, he averaged just 6.3 minutes per contest.
So far this season, Garza has been receiving more playing time with the Celtics, averaging 12.7 minutes per game over the first three games, contributing 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game—equating to 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Despite not having a huge impact on the team’s performance yet, experts are optimistic about Garza’s potential breakout this season. CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger recently named him as Boston’s most likely candidate for a breakout season. He noted that with the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation being wide open, Garza has a prime opportunity to secure regular minutes.
Garza’s track record shows promise; in his best season last year, he averaged 22.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per 36 minutes, shooting 50% from the field over 39 games. If he can earn more playing time with the Celtics, there’s a strong possibility that he can elevate his game and deliver impactful performances.
The Celtics also have other options in their frontcourt, such as Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, and Xavier Tillman. While Queta and Boucher are currently prioritized by coach Joe Mazzulla, Garza stands ready to step up should the need arise due to injuries.
As the season unfolds, the Celtics’ hope lies in their ability to adapt and showcase emerging talent like Garza, who has an encouraging opportunity to shine in Boston’s system. With his determination and potential for growth, fans are eager to see how this season develops for him and the team.