Things move fast in the NBA - and for Luka Garza, the timing couldn’t be more bittersweet.
In his fifth season, and first with the Boston Celtics, Garza has been carving out a real role for himself. He’s averaging career highs across the board: 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, a red-hot 58.6% from the field, and a lights-out 44.1% from beyond the arc. He’s been giving Boston 16.6 solid minutes a night off the bench, providing efficient scoring and dependable rebounding in a reserve role that finally seemed to be clicking.
But just as Garza was finding his groove, the Celtics made one of the biggest splashes of this year’s trade deadline - acquiring veteran center Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls.
Vucevic, now 35, is still producing at a high level, putting up 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists per game this season. He’s not just a rental; he’s a statement. Boston is clearly going all-in, and Vucevic walks in as the new starting center - no questions asked.
That has immediate ripple effects down the depth chart, and unfortunately, Garza is caught in the undertow.
Neemias Queta, who had been starting in the absence of a true anchor in the middle, will now slide into the backup role. He’s earned that spot with strong play and physical presence, and it’s clear the Celtics trust him to be the first big off the bench. That shift effectively bumps Garza into a much more limited role - likely situational minutes, spot duty, or injury fill-in.
It’s a tough break for a player who’s been doing everything right. Garza’s offensive efficiency has been off the charts, and he’s shown he can stretch the floor with his improved three-point shooting - a valuable skill in today’s NBA, especially for a big. He’s also brought energy and toughness, traits that don’t always show up in the box score but matter in a playoff push.
Still, this is the reality of a contending team making a win-now move. Boston sits at 31-18, a strong record considering they’ve been without Jayson Tatum for a stretch. The addition of Vucevic signals a clear intent: this team isn’t just trying to survive the season - they’re trying to make a deep postseason run.
For Garza, that means adjusting. His minutes may shrink, but his value as a depth piece remains.
Injuries happen. Matchups change.
And when the Celtics need a skilled big who can knock down shots and hold his own in the paint, Garza will be ready.
He’s earned another contract in this league, and his recent play should keep him on the radar of front offices around the NBA. This may be a setback in terms of minutes, but it’s not the end of the road. Luka Garza has shown he belongs - and when the opportunity comes again, don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it.