Celtics Seek Rebounding Boost as Luka Garza Eyes Breakout

Boston, MA — The Boston Celtics are struggling early in the 2025-26 NBA season with a 1-3 record as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Rebounding has become a crucial issue for the team following the departure of their top three centers during the offseason: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis.

With their frontcourt in disarray, fifth-year center Luka Garza, who signed with the Celtics in July, has an opportunity to step up. Garza, a former standout at Iowa, played limited minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging just 6.3 minutes over 92 games. However, since joining Boston, he has averaged 12.7 minutes per game through three games, contributing 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports recently labeled Garza as Boston’s most likely breakout player this season. He notes, “Boston’s frontcourt rotation is wide-open, and the 6-foot-10 Garza should be champing at the bit for a crack at regular minutes.”

Garza’s consistent production in limited playing time last season is encouraging. In 39 games, he boasted an average of 22.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per 36 minutes. If he can secure more playing time, Garza could achieve significant career highs.

Boston’s current frontcourt also includes Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, and Xavier Tillman. While Queta and Boucher may currently be preferred options for Coach Joe Mazzulla, any injuries could clear the way for Garza to take on a bigger role. Regardless, the Celtics offer Garza the best opportunity of his career, and he will need to capitalize on it.