Pistons signing rookie center Luka Garza to two-year contract

The Pistons initially signed Garza to a two-way deal after selecting him with the No. 52 pick in the 2021 draft. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star averaged 15 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one block in five summer league games. 

Garza finished his collegiate career as a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time First-team All-American. He scored 2,306 points and recorded 931 rebounds in four seasons with the Hawkeyes. 

Throughout his basketball career, Garza has been criticized about how his game wouldn't translate to the NBA due to his foot speed and athleticism. However, that didn't deter him from pursuing his NBA goals, and his perseverance has paid off. 

Still, it's unclear how much playing time Garza will get this coming season. He'll likely need to jump Kelly Olynyk and Trey Lyles in the rotation to see consistent minutes off the bench. 

The Pistons enter the 2021-22 campaign with an exciting young roster headlined by Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Detroit hopes those three players can help turn things around after finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season.