Luka Garza attempted more practice shots than any NBA player last season despite receiving minimal playing time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to data from Noah Basketball, a tracking service used by most NBA teams.
Frank Garza told CelticsBlog on Monday that his son attempted approximately 42,000 shots in practice and shootarounds last season, roughly 12,000 more than the next closest player. The center played fewer than 210 minutes during the 2024-25 season with Minnesota.
The Boston Celtics signed Garza to a two-year deal in July after general manager Brad Stevens identified him as a “stats darling” with untapped potential. Stevens had monitored Garza from afar despite his limited NBA opportunities.
“I just had to believe someone was paying attention,” Frank Garza said. “And of course, it was Brad Stevens.”
Garza has transformed his body since college, reducing his body fat from 15% to 6% and dropping from 270 to 245 pounds. The Iowa product was named National Player of the Year in 2021 but fell to the 52nd pick in the draft due to athleticism concerns.
The 6’10” center is averaging 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game this season, marking the largest role of his NBA career. He posted 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in Sunday’s victory over Orlando.
Advanced metrics supported Garza’s work ethic last season, as he drew more charges per possession than any player in the league. His per-36-minute averages of 22 points and 8.2 rebounds caught Boston’s attention.
“For me to be out there at the end, closing the game-I haven’t had too many opportunities to do that in my career,” Garza said after Sunday’s performance.