Celtics Continue Shoring Up Depth at Center, Re-Sign Neemias Queta

Bobby Krivitsky | Jun 30, 2024

Oct 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

When free agency opened, the Celtics re-signed Luke Kornet, agreeing to a one-year deal with the seven-foot-two center, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Boston quickly followed that up by reaching a multi-year pact with Neemias Queta, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

From Al Horford, who often shared the floor with the Lisbon, Portugal native, to Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics repeatedly praised Queta for quickly picking up what they asked of him. That earned him opportunities to operate as Boston's lone big on the floor.

Queta consistently maximized his minutes, providing energy, rim protection, and a knack for extending possessions. He's also an effective screener, has a good touch around the basket, and is a skilled passer.

This was an absolute dime from Neemias Queta. Great cut by Sam Hauser, too. The latter's making more of an impact with his cutting this season. He's making meaningful strides in so many aspects of his game. pic.twitter.com/IGe5kziqsl

— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) January 30, 2024

Furthermore, watching him at the Auerbach Center and while going through pregame workouts this past season, his shot looks encouraging to this author. At some point, it seems likely he'll at least start taking corner threes.

The three-year veteran, who turns 25 in July, averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game while logging 11.9 minutes in 28 appearances with Boston. He also helped lead the Maine Celtics to the G League championship.

Re-signing Kornet and Queta will help the defending NBA champions navigate the first few months of the upcoming season. Kristaps Porzingis recently underwent surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon.

The Celtics say the former All-Star is on a five-to-six-month recovery timeline. He projects to join Boston's quest for Banner 19 in November or December, with the latter seeming more likely.

While Porzingis is inactive, the Celtics will pace 38-year-old Al Horford while needing quality minutes at center when he's off the floor.

Furthermore, given Queta's combination of size, athleticism, and intellect, reaching a multi-year agreement to continue working with him is a wise move. He has the upside to develop into a rotation fixture at the pivot.

Further Reading

Celtics Work Quickly to Re-Sign Luke Kornet

Celtics Make Deadline Day Decision on Sam Hauser's Team Option

Brad Stevens Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Draft Picks

Baylor Scheierman Shares Celtics' Feedback Before Drafting Him

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Jaylen Brown Caps Career Year with NBA Finals MVP: 'Can't Even Put it into Words'

Tatum and Brown Reach NBA Summit, Lead Celtics to Banner 18

Sports Doctor Details Challenges, Risks of Kristaps Porzingis Playing in NBA Finals