TITLE: Celtics’ Luka Garza Carves Out Key Role; Raptors Eye 10-Day Addition; Ingram Stays Healthy; Sixers’ Draft Math
SLUG: celtics-garza-raptors-10day-ingram-health-sixers-draft
CONTENT:
Boston’s offseason gamble on Luka Garza is paying off. The former Iowa standout, taken 52nd overall in the 2021 draft, is logging a career-best 15.6 minutes per game in his fifth NBA season and first with the 46-23 Celtics. Through 59 appearances, the 27-year-old reserve is supplying 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 56.9% from the field, 43.6% from three and 77.0% at the line.
Garza told RG.org’s Spencer Davies that he reinvented his skill set after limited opportunities in Detroit and Minnesota. “Every summer and even during the season I focus on getting better,” he said, noting that screening, offensive rebounding and pick-and-pop shooting have replaced the post-heavy style that made him a two-time first-team All-American in college.
The Celtics prioritized Garza in free agency after trading Kristaps Porziņģis and losing Al Horford and Luke Kornet. He signed a fully guaranteed two-year minimum deal, giving Boston a modest $2.8 million cap hit next season before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2027.
Raptors Likely to Add 10-Day Contract
Toronto, carrying 14 standard contracts, is expected to fill its vacant roster slot with a 10-day signing before committing to a rest-of-season deal, according to Sportsnet.ca’s Michael Grange.
Ingram Reaches Games-Played Milestone
Forward Brandon Ingram has appeared in 66 games during his first full year with the Raptors, his highest total since his 2016-17 rookie campaign. Head coach Darko Rajaković credited rigorous preparation by the medical staff and the player himself, TSN.ca’s Josh Lewenberg reported.
Sixers’ Best- and Worst-Case Outlook
Tony Jones of The Athletic outlined scenarios for Philadelphia’s stretch run. While unlikely, one path has the Sixers falling out in the play-in tournament yet moving into the draft’s top four on lottery night, which would allow them to retain their protected first-round pick otherwise owed to Oklahoma City.
Source: Hoops Rumors
