The Boston Celtics went back over the second apron to sign free agents Luka Garza and Josh Minott. It won't take much to dip below that threshold. They have until the end of the league year to accomplish that, but expect it to get done.
At a press conference after the finalization of Boston's flurry of roster moves, Brad Stevens shared with Hardwood Houdini what motivated the Celtics to utilize their limited flexibility to add the pair of former Minnesota Timberwolves.
"I think one of the things that we've obviously been limited in what tools we can use with where we are right around the second apron, and so we're looking for guys on those contracts that have upside; that are competitors; that are workers; that want to be good; that haven't hit their peak yet," said Stevens.
Garza arrives on a two-year, $5.5 million contract. Minott signed a two-year, $5 million deal. Those modest figures, by NBA standards at least, reflect their current standing in the Association. However, the Celtics don't just believe in their untapped potential; they have confidence in the people they're investing in.
"We've seen something in them that we think gives them a chance to be very impactful," continued Stevens.
"Luka, obviously, has been a stats darling, but in limited time behind very, very good players. And [it's the] same thing with Minott. Minott is a guy that brings a lot of versatility to the table; is a person that can guard several positions, can shoot a little bit, but plays with great energy and length."
As the Celtics reconfigure their roster, making changes forced on them by the NBA's punitive collective bargaining agreement, it also helps to bring in individuals from winning organizations.
"We have a team that is being retooled, I think the biggest thing is that bringing in guys that can complement our best players and our core, but also have some upside," voiced the Celtics' president of basketball operations. "And maybe some unrealized upside thus far, and they were in a great situation. They were coached by a great coach in Chris Finch, and a great organization with a ton of talent, and so they're used to winning. I like that too."
The best opportunities of Garza and Minott's careers await them
As previously detailed about Garza, he dominated his collegiate competition. The six-foot-10 center won AP Player of the Year and the John Wooden Award while with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The latter goes to the most outstanding player in the country.
Garza also excelled in the G League. He averaged 32.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks in six games with the Iowa Wolves in 2022-23.
As Stevens noted, he's also a statistics darling at basketball's highest level. That, coupled with his work ethic and a winning organization having spent the last three years molding him, is worth betting on at this price.
The same goes for Minott. While Boston is less established at the center position, there are also minutes to grab at forward. If the six-foot-eight former second-round pick can convert his motor and physical tools into a disruptive and versatile defender, his role will expand. If he develops into a more reliable three-point threat, then the Celtics may have found a player who is at least worth keeping in their "Stay Ready Group" long term.