Celtics Star Shares Hilarious Fan Interaction Story

This is Luka Garza’s first season with the Boston Celtics, and it’s definitely been an adjustment for him.

While he was born and raised in Washington, D.C., Garza has spent most of his adult life in the Midwest. He played college basketball at Iowa, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and spent three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Celtics.

The 27-year-old center quickly found out that Boston fans are a different breed, especially compared to nice, friendly Midwesterners.

On a recent episode of Derrick White’s “White Noise” podcast, Garza shared a funny story about an encounter he had with a Celtics fan.

“My apartment building, I live downtown. I get on the elevator, a guy’s on the elevator with me. He kind of recognizes me,” Garza said. “So I get off the elevator. He’s like, ‘Get a rebound, man!’ And I’m like, damn, it’s like that out here?”

“As (the door’s) closing, obviously, he waited for that. But he’s like, ‘Get some damn rebounds, man,'” Garza continued. “The fans are definitely the most passionate that I’ve played for.”

Garza’s right that Celtics fans are definitely unique and intense, especially compared to more reserved Pistons fans and Timberwolves fans. They expect the best from their team and hold the players to a high standard, even bench guys like Garza.

Fortunately for Garza, he’s flourished in his first season with Boston and hasn’t received much criticism. He’s getting the most minutes of his career and has responded with his best season yet, helping the Celtics overachieve with his strong bench play.