NBA Stats includes a special category that tracks players’ “hustle” numbers, primarily focusing on essential contributions like deflections, recovered loose balls, and drawn charges. One interesting aspect of this section is screen assists, which, while important, are not purely a product of hard work; they resemble passing assists by setting up a teammate for a shot. This is where Luka Garza shines.
Since rejoining the Celtics’ rotation on December 20th, Garza has dominated the league in screen assists, racking up 28 in just 132 minutes of playing time—surpassing notable players like Jusuf Nurkic, Oso Ighodaro, and Maxime Renaud, all while spending less time on the court.
Despite the attention on his screen assists, Garza brings a relentless energy reminiscent of the late Tommy Heinsohn. Whether coming in for starter Neemias Queta or contributing to the second unit, his hustle is evident; he’s always ready to perform. Garza attributes his work ethic to the values instilled by his family and his competitive nature. “I think I identified early on that I wasn’t the most athletic guy. I had to find a way to get an edge. Every time I step on a basketball court, that’s my mindset, to just play harder than the guy in front of me,” Garza explained.
Brian Scalabrine, during an NBC Sports Boston broadcast, analogized Garza’s role to that of a left guard in football, who protects the quarterback—in this case, safeguarding shooters like Sam Hauser against defensive pressure. Garza’s presence has positively impacted Hauser’s performance, as he has successfully converted 24 of his last 48 three-point attempts.
Moreover, Garza’s influence doesn’t stop there; he has also unlocked the potential of Anfernee Simons. Together, they boast a +6.0 net rating, with Simons achieving an average of 13.5 points during this productive stretch for the Celtics’ second unit.
Garza’s tactical awareness in screening mirrors the decision-making of a point guard during a pick-and-roll. His ability to read and react fluidly to defenses is crucial; it’s not just the ball handlers who call the plays, but Garza who signals adjustments. His effective screening techniques, although not glamorous, demonstrate a deep understanding of his craft.
In terms of tangible hustle, Garza has also excelled at offensive rebounding, securing 23 boards during this period, with a standout performance that included nine rebounds on the road in Toronto. According to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, Garza’s overall impact has been significant. The Celtics have outscored opponents by an impressive 29.2 points per 100 possessions during Garza’s time on the court, while they struggle without him, being outscored by 5.1 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the bench, culminating in a staggering net rating differential of plus-34.3.
Garza has quickly become a blend of Luke Kornet’s screen game and Al Horford’s shooting capability, boasting a remarkable 47.1% from behind the arc. After signing a two-year, $5.2 million contract over the summer, he is poised to be a pivotal component in the Celtics’ frontcourt as they pursue a championship run, emphasizing the importance of overlooked roles within a team. The continued growth and recognition of Garza’s contributions highlight the value of hard work in complementing talent on the court.