How a Celtics offseason addition is quietly solving a major roster problem

Neemias Queta is thriving with his opportunity to start for the Boston Celtics. However, at times this season, there have been valid concerns about the ability to fill the minutes behind him with a traditional option at center.

For a significant stretch, Boston was relying heavily on small-ball, leaning on Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh bumping up to center when Queta was off the floor. They even started doing so with Hugo Gonzalez.

That option has worked well. However, it can't be the exclusive solution when Queta needs a breather. That would become most evident during the playoffs.

Fortunately, one of the Celtics' more traditional options to play the pivot is stepping up to reduce the noise about a problem that was previously receiving considerable attention.

The impact of Luka Garza

In Tuesday's 129-119 win over the Utah Jazz, Garza gave Boston a needed spark off the bench.

After a slow start by the visitors, his infusion of energy helped them turn the game around. The six-foot-10 center entered intermission with 11 points, the most on the team after the opening 24 minutes.

The fifth-year veteran made his first four field goal attempts, including the two he hoisted from beyond the arc. Beyond his scoring, he made an impact on the offensive glass, swiped a steal, and set great screens. The latter consistently paved the way to productive possessions. Garza registered a +13 plus-minus rating at the break.

He finished with 15 points, six rebounds, including a game-high four on offense, a steal, and a block in 19 minutes.

The recently turned 27-year-old signed with the Celtics in search of the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of basketball. Even when he fell out of the rotation, he believed this time, it would go differently. His conversations with Joe Mazzulla and film sessions with assistant coach D.J. MacLeay affirmed that to him.

"I knew it was coming back, just the way Joe is mixing it up all the time," said Garza after shining in Boston's 103-95 win over the Indiana Pacers. "That's what I've always wanted in the past, and haven't been able to get unless there's an injury, or two guys are down, or whatever it is. "So I knew it was coming back. It was just a matter of time, and I just wanted to make sure, when I got that chance, that I went out there and did everything I could to help the Celtics."

That night, he barely came off the court after halftime. His five offensive rebounds helped his team erase a 20-point deficit. It was an impressive encore to his previous performance.

In a victory over the Toronto Raptors two days earlier, Garza registered his third career double-double and first with Boston. He put 12 points on the board and snagged 10 rebounds -- nine of those were at the offensive end.

His effort, ability to extend possessions, and set excellent screens are constants. Lately, he's playing better defense, too. It's a testament to a player who is doing a superb job of filling the minutes when Queta's off the floor.