The Boston Celtics spent big at center this summer. They signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract. They inked Neemias Queta to a four-year, $56 million contract extension. But they don't just have a top tandem patrolling the pivot. They boast the NBA's best trio at that position.
Even before the 2026-27 campaign got underway, as teams like the Atlanta Hawks lost depth at center, it was understood: Trading Luka Garza would be a mistake.
As the Celtics are now seeing firsthand, Robinson comes with durability concerns. If he or Queta misses time, they can take comfort in turning to the former National Player of the Year at Iowa. Garza can help Joe Mazzulla pace those two throughout games and the season.
However, through Boston's first four contests, it's apparent the former Hawkeyes star matters even more to his team than people realized.
Luka Garza is stepping up for the Celtics
The sixth-year center is averaging 4.5 points and 2.0 offensive rebounds in 9.3 minutes of floor time.
Against the New York Knicks, he was an unsung hero. With Robinson and Queta in early foul trouble, his 3:30 shift was critical to Boston's 107-103 win. He forced two turnovers from Jose Alvarado. He drilled two 3s. After his physicality influenced a miss by Andre Drummond at the rim, Garza ran the floor. He set a hard screen on the behemoth backup center. That produced an open 3 for Paul George. The shot was off the mark. However, Garza rolled hard to the rim. He got in front of Drummond, snagged the miss, then put it back in off the glass.
A few nights later, Boston was on the winning end of a 125-124 overtime thriller. Jayson Tatum was spectacular, finishing with 40 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. However, his game-winning buzzer-beater to sink the Brooklyn Nets wouldn't have happened without energy plays like Garza's.
His charge on Julius Randle was integral to a 16-5 run in the final six minutes of the third quarter. When Garza gave himself up to draw the offensive foul on Brooklyn's bulldozing big, Tatum pumped his fist, flexed, and let out a battle cry in the center's direction. It was part of a turning point that breathed life into TD Garden. It was another night of impactful minutes and shining in his role.
"You want to be able to validate the entire roster and just know that at different times you're going to go to different guys," said Mazzulla after the victory. Going to Garza gave him a chance to reiterate how dependable he is. It also allowed him to show how important he is to the Celtics.
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