Luka Garza continues to be Timberwolves’ secret weapon in Utah

Then when Alexander-Walker came to the Wolves in the Russell trade, he wasn’t playing much, and he was at a precarious point in his career where he might have been out of the league the following season. But when he got more playing time with injuries to Reid and Jaden McDaniels late in the season, he played well and got a new contract.

“Those examples in front of me are inspiring and motivating,” Garza said. “I feel like I’m in that spot where I can do that as well for myself. I’ve made it my identity to always be ready when my name is called.”

The organization has always loved Garza’s professionalism and his work ethic. It’s why he has worked his way up from training camp invite, to edge-of-roster player, to a two-way contract and most recently, to a full NBA contract. Coach Chris Finch had plenty to say about Garza’s approach after Thursday’s win.

“He’s one of my most favorite players I’ve ever coached, for so many reasons,” Finch said. “He’s stayed always ready. Always in a great mood and been an unbelievable example for all the other young guys. Every time we put him in, he produces. Silly me, I probably should play him more, but with the number of bigs and the way we’ve had the roster constructed over the last couple of years, it’s not easy to do, but he’s always, always ready.”

Garza has stayed with the organization because he felt a good fit among him, Finch’s style of play and the culture Finch and the front office established.

“I feel like I fit perfectly into what [Finch] is trying to do,” Garza said. “He does a really good job of putting me in the right spots, and all my teammates have so much confidence in me. That’s the thing that keeps me going when I’m not playing … Mike, Ant, Donte are coming to talk to me, to stay ready, and I’m bought in to help this team in whatever way I can.”