San Antonio Spurs: 5 Prospects to watch from The Big Ten

Luka Garza, Center, Iowa

Luka Garza had an exceptional college career. In his senior season, he put up 24 points and nearly nine rebounds while shooting from all over the place. He can score from pretty much anywhere. He also blocked 1.6 shots a game.

But don’t let the numbers fool you. I can absolutely see him entering the NBA and putting up 12 points and six rebounds immediately, but he is an absolute defensive liability. He is long and strong, but his defensive skill set lends itself to more of a fouler than a force.

He is not that fast, so guards or stretch bigs can blow by him or pull up from midrange before he can react. Some media members say Jakob Poeltl can’t score despite his defensive prowess. Garza is the opposite. 

His touch around the basket and range with his height is enough to consider him in the second round, but at 22 years old, I’m not sure if he’ll ever be able to solve his problems. He could carve out a good career as a high output scoring big, or he could be a starter if he had a partner in the paint who can play lockdown defense. Maybe pair him with Bam Adebayo or Giannis in the paint.

By himself, there isn’t much. If the Spurs know what they’re getting and don’t expect growth, maybe, and I mean maybe, take him with the 41st pick. 

As long as San Antonio knows he’s a scorer and rebounder and not much else, that’s fine. His scoring could be really good, but I doubt he’ll ever be a productive starter.