Detroit Pistons: Why Luka Garza should replace Jahlil Okafor
Troy Weaver and Dwane Casey will have some tough roster decisions to make for the Detroit Pistons and Luka Garza is trying to make them tougher.
Garza is a long shot to make the rotation after being taken 52nd in the NBA Draft, but this is a guy you can’t rule out, as he is a very skilled player who puts in the work.
Garza has been in the gym non-stop this offseason, though most of what we see are workout videos posted by his dad of him draining 3-point shots from all over.
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But Luka Garza has shown he can do more than shoot and might end up earning a spot in the rotation at some point this season, especially if the Pistons can find a way to get rid of Jahlil Okafor.
Like Okafor, Garza is mostly known as a big man who can score but not defend, but he’s starting to show he could be more than just a 3-point shooter.
Detroit Pistons: If Luka Garza can defend, then he is far more valuable than Jahlil Okafor
The big question for Luka Garza is who he is going to defend in the NBA. He is not the quickest guy so man believe he’ll be lost against mobile centers or get punished in the perimeter pick-and-roll when he has to switch.
Garza has put some of those concerns to rest, as he has played fairly well defensively, including last night when he tallied five blocks against the Knicks.
Garza plays hard on that end even if he doesn’t have the quickest feet, and effort is sometimes the most important element of defense.
Luka also got on the boards last night (another concern), pulling down 12 of them, including five of the offensive variety.
Jahlil Okafor is a great post player but that is literally all he can do, as he does not have a jumper and is one of the worst defending big men in the NBA.
Garza not only offers the Detroit Pistons a big who can knock down shots, but he is showing that he might not be as hopeless on defense as people thought. If that’s the case, then he should be the third center and Okafor should be sent packing.
It’s still early days for Luka Garza but his skill level and work ethic could earn him a spot on this team.
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