The best Timberwolves player comparison for Luka Garza

One under-discussed player on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ roster is Luka Garza. Playing for the second season in a row on a two-way contract, Garza will be splitting time between the big league club and the G League Iowa Wolves this season.

The majority of intrigue from fans surrounding Garza and his game comes from his versatile skill set. Though he stands 6-foot-10 and plays primarily in the frontcourt, Garza is very much a modern big man in terms of his ability to play on the perimeter and knock down three-point shots.

Even though the Timberwolves are currently loaded with frontcourt depth, it is hard not to consider the possibilities that come with a young forward who has exciting upside. Garza will hope to break his way into Head Coach Chris Finch’s rotation this year.

Recently, Wolves fans on X (formerly Twitter) picked up on something that was said about Garza during Minnesota’s preseason contest with the Knicks. A comparison was drawn between Garza and former Timberwolf Wally Szczerbiak.

Broadcasters compared Luka Garza to Wally Szczerbiak

The color commentators on the preseason broadcast made this comparison between Garza and Szczerbiak primarily off of physical appearance. However, there are similarities in their basketball ability as well.

Now, some will be quick to brush this comparison off as ridiculous. After all, Wally stands 6-foot-7 and played primarily as a guard in Minnesota. On the other hand, Luka measures in at 6-foot-10 and has a game that is much more post-oriented.

If Garza were playing in 2013 instead of 2023, he would likely be playing almost exclusively in the paint. But with the rapid evolution of the game, he has developed his perimeter skills and has the chance to make a living in the NBA as an inside and outside scorer.

His shooting touch and skill around the basket makes this comparison to the 2002 All-Star a reasonable one. Garza showcased both of these traits when he scored 30 points on 60% shooting in Minnesota’s last preseason game.

If he can come close to matching what Szczerbiak achieved during his NBA career, Wolves fans will undoubtedly be thrilled.