Pistons select Luka Garza with No. 52 pick

The Detroit Pistons have selected Iowa star big man Luka Garza with the No. 52 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.

Garza is one of the most decorated players in Hawkeyes history and the reigning consensus college player of the year. He capped a stellar four-year college career by averaging 24.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in his senior season and surpassed Iowa legend Roy Marble for the program scoring record with 2,306 career points. The Hawkeyes retired Garza's No. 55 for his contributions.

Despite his esteemed college career, there are legitimate concerns about whether Garza can translate his game to the NBA.

Bio

Position: C
School: Iowa
College experience: Senior
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 242.8 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Max vertical: 29.5 inches

Strengths

• Great finisher in the low post thanks to strong footwork and ability to use body to his advantage
• Can stretch the floor for a big man; shot 44% from beyond the arc as a senior

Weaknesses

• Serious concerns about mobility, especially on defense; can be exposed while guarding the pick-and-roll
• Subpar rim-protector relative to size