Timberwolves Sign Former College Player Of The Year

After a strong showing throughout preseason while battling for a spot on the roster, the 2021 Naismith Player of the Year winner Luka Garza has won himself a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are signing center Luka Garza to a two-way NBA contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Garza had a strong preseason, averaging 7.3 points on 66.7 percent from 3-point land.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2022

It's a two-way contract for Garza, who capped off his strong preseason on Wednesday when he scored 15 points to go with four rebounds in 12 minutes in a 118-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After the game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch raved about Garza.

Finch on Luka Garza: "He's the perfect system fit for us. Great acquisition by our front office. He's a guy I think can really grow into our system here. He can stretch the floor and he can score around the basket. That's a great combo. Not a lot of bigs can do that."

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 13, 2022

“He’s a perfect system fit for us,” Finch said. “Great acquisition by our front office. He’s a guy I think can really grow into our system here. He does a few things well. He can stretch the floor and he can score around the basket. That’s a great combination."

Overall, Garza averaged 7.3 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 61% from the floor and hit four of his six shots from beyond the arc in four preseason games. 

Last season, the 6'10", 243 lb Garza made his NBA debut with the Detroit Pistons, appearing in 32 games and averaging 5.8 points in just 12.2 minutes per contest.

Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports