5 picks from the 2021 NBA Draft that could surprise us
By Dan Bennett
2021 NBA draft picks with potential to surprise: 3. Luka Garza
Luka Garza is one of the more intriguing stories of this draft. Named the Naismith Player of the Year for his performances at Iowa, he was taken 52nd by the Detroit Pistons with teams seemingly not willing to gamble on his lack of speed and mobility which could be exposed in the NBA.
But one thing is clear, the center can get a bucket. He averaged a fantastic 24.1 points per game last season and can score from both inside and outside, knocking down 44 percent of his 3-point attempts too last year.
It’s unusual not to see a team higher up the order take a punt on the best player in college last year. The lack of athleticism is a concern, but the combination of footwork and finishing in the paint and a confident 3-point stroke makes him a highly dangerous offensive weapon.
His lack of mobility means he will likely never be a big star, which is perhaps what led teams to take their chances on other options, along with his age, but for a team like the Pistons, Garza could get an opportunity to play a limited role off the bench which aims to maximize his offense to start with.
And, in time, he could well become a really good option off the bench should he be able to survive on defense and not cost his team too many points. Teams always need an offensive boost off the bench, and Garza can do just that.
Following his selection, he signed a two-way deal with Detroit which should allow him to develop in the G-League while, hopefully, also getting some minutes in the NBA on a young team that is still developing.