Entering free agency, the Celtics had just two centers on their roster. One of them, Kristaps Porzingis, will be sidelined for the beginning of the season as he recovers from ankle surgery. The other is 38-year-old Al Horford.
There was a clear need for frontcourt help in Boston as the NBA free agency period began on Sunday evening, and the Celtics wasted no time addressing that need.
The Celtics made their first move by bringing back center Luke Kornet on a one-year deal. Shortly after that, they re-signed another big man, Neemias Queta.
The Celtics had declined a team option for Queta on Saturday, making him a restricted free agent on Sunday night. However, they were intent on bringing Queta back on a multi-year deal, and that’s exactly what they did.
Queta, who turns 25 in July, initially signed a two-way contract with the Celtics last September after being let go by the Sacramento Kings in favor of JaVale McGee. He later had his contract converted to a standard deal in April.
The 7-foot big man appeared in a career-high 28 regular season games for Boston last season, posting career-highs in points (5.5) and rebounds (4.4) in 11.9 minutes per game. The big man was tied with Luke Kornet for the most offensive rebounds per game at 1.9.
Queta, the only Portuguese player in NBA history, split his time between Boston and its G-League affiliate, Maine. He played a significant role in helping the Maine Celtics reach the G-League Finals for the first time in franchise history with his 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game.
The three-year pro is an exceptional athlete who provides size, physicality, energy, and solid activity around the rim on both ends of the floor. He is also a terrific screener.
The potential of the former Utah State standout is clear. Before joining the Celtics, he was named to the All-NBA G-League First Team and the G-League All-Defensive Team with the Stockton Kings. He finished runner-up in G-League MVP voting for the 2022-23 season, averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
In Boston, Queta consistently maximized his minutes, proving to be a viable center option.
“He’s one of those kids that doesn’t know how good he can be, that hasn’t been in the league a long time,” Mazzulla said on Queta back in January. “He’s only played like 300 minutes in the NBA. So he’s starting to see when he plays with a certain presence, we’re a different basketball team.”
Given the impending CBA restrictions and current salary cap limitations, the Celtics must focus on acquiring and nurturing young talent. Queta fits well into this strategy, looking to emulate the developmental successes seen in players like Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet within the organization.
With Kornet and Queta re-signed, the Celtics have five players remaining on the free-agent market: Xavier Tillman, JD Davison, Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Drew Peterson (restricted). Boston has two vacant roster spots and three openings for two-way contracts, with one of those two-way contracts expected to go to second-round pick Anton Watson.
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