Detroit Pistons NBA Draft: Grades for every Pistons’ pick
Detroit Pistons NBA Draft grades: Pick No. 52- Luka Garza
. Center. Detroit Pistons. LUKA GARZA. C+
When you are talking about picks in the 50’s you can’t get too worked up, as most of them never make the league and Garza could join that group.
He’s a slow center who is going to have a hard time defending anyone in the NBA, especially if matched up against stretch fours or fives who can step away from the basket.
But Garza is a very good player with a high level of skill, a big who can shoot the 3-ball and score from all over the place.
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He’s smart and knows how to use his body to keep defenders off and create space, which somewhat makes up for his lack of athleticism and speed.
Garza was on my list of prospects the Pistons should avoid, so I can’t say that I was hugely excited about this, but considering the position, it wasn’t the worst idea to take a flyer on the guy was was the consensus NCAA player of the year.
If Garza slims down, adds some foot speed and improves his 3-point shooting, then there is a place for him as a stretch off the Pistons’ bench, so it wasn’t a terrible gamble. I hope I am wrong about Garza and that he can overcome his perceived limitations, especially on the defensive end.