Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta likely knew that he would get another NBA this season after being released by the Sacramento Kings before the start of training camp. But the 2022-23 all-G-League first-team selection probably couldn’t have imagined being a significant contributor to one of the best teams in the NBA. However, that is precisely the case with Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet being hampered by injuries throughout the season.
Boston Celtics Rumors: Neemias Queta Overtaking Luke Kornet As No. 2 Center, C’s Targeting Kelly Olynyk In Trade
Boston, needing frontcourt depth, signed Queta to a two-way contract a week after the Kings released him. The 7-footer had been dominant in the G-League over the last two seasons, though he saw seven minutes a game over 20 appearances in Sacramento. He had a nice four-game summer league campaign with the Kings and was impressive during limited action in the preseason with the Celtics.
But coach Joe Mazzula already had his center rotation in mind. Porzingis, of course, was going to start and play 30+ minutes, with Al Horford being the first big off the bench, spelling both Porzingis and Jayson Tatum. If Tatum and Porzingis were out of the game together, Mazzula would throw Kornet into action for 10-12 minutes.
Neemias Queta
Porzingis has already missed eight games, while Kornet was cleared to return to the court on Christmas Day after being sidelined since Dec. 12 due to an abductor injury. Thus providing Queta with an extended opportunity, and the 24-year-old has certainly taken advantage. As a result. Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe believes Queta has made a strong case to move to No. 2 on the C’s depth chart full-time.
“This is what I’ve been pretty much waiting on,” Queta told Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “Being ready for these type of moments. I had two years to do that. And whenever it is my turn, just be ready and everything works itself out. With time, the game’s just been slowing down for me and I’m getting more comfortable on the court.”
Even with Kornet active on Christmas Day, Queta played seven minutes while Kornet didn’t get off the bench in Boston’s 126-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Queta didn’t score against the Lakers, though he did grab a rebound, record a steal, and doled out an assist. He averages 6.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes over the past six contests.
Queta is a bull in the low-pot as he is very physical and has a high motor. While he is very limited offensively, he makes up for that as he is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the floor and is a solid rim protector.
It is not like Kornet has played poorly; Queta’s upside is just higher. Kornet averages 4.4 points on 75% shooting from the field and 3.3 rebounds in 13 minutes a game. He does have the ability to stretch the floor a little and is a good rebounder and rim protector.
Celtics’ Decisions To Make
Boston has a decision to make on Kornet’s future as his $2.4 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on Jan. 10. Boston only has 14 players on standard contracts. So, if the Celtics decide to release Kornet, the C’s would have two weeks to get back to 14 players, per NBA rules. Queta is a candidate to have his two-way contract converted to a standard deal. As it stands now, Queta can appear in 50 contests as a two-way player and has played in 13 of the Celtics’ first 29.
Boston (23-6) owns the best record in the NBA and has won eight of 10, including three straight. But the Celtics appear interested in upgrading their frontcourt depth, particularly with Porzingis’ injury and Horford’s age and recent durability concerns.
Boston has arguably the best starting lineup in the NBA, and perhaps the top six-man unit with part-time starter Horford included. But there are questions surrounding the Celtics’ bench, especially with the C’s first unit playing the most minutes in the league at nearly 34 a game. Boston’s biggest need, besides frontcourt depth, is scoring, as the Celtics’ reserves are the lowest-scoring second unit at 26.9 points, which is nearly a whole point lower than any other team.
Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard have been solid off the bench all season long. Oshae Brissett, Queta, and Kornet have had their moments.
Reported Trade Targets
One player the Celtics could be targeting is Utah Jazz center Kelly Olynyk, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein. Olynyk, on an expiring $12.7 million contract, spent his first five seasons in Beantown. Olynyk would fit nicely with the Celtics due to his shooting, rebounding, and passing ability. He averages 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while compiling an EFG of 62.9% in 22 minutes a game.
However, Boston’s current salary situation would make it difficult for the Celtics to acquire Olynyk, notes Sportrac’s Keith Smith. Smith said that for the Celtics to acquire the 6-11, 32-year-old, they would have to include a “rotational guy or stack a bunch of players together.” The Celtics are over the luxury tax line.
Olynyk has been having an outstanding season. Efficiency is off the charts and he's put up good counting stats, despite not playing a ton.
But…(wet blanket time!)
It's hard for Boston to match $12M in trade. It's either a rotation guy, or stacking together a bunch of guys. https://t.co/rXvxjLnYCC
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 25, 2023
Boston can make it work. Kornet ($2.4 million), Brissett ($2.1), Svi Mykhailiuk ($2.3), Dalano Banton ($2.1) and Jordan Walsh ($1.1) could all be packaged in the deal. Mykhailiuk and Banton’s deals aren’t guaranteed until Jan. 10, so the Celtics would have to guarantee them or make the trade before that date. The Celtics’ could send a couple of players and their three trade exceptions totaling $8.5 million. Either way, the C’s would likely have to part with some draft capital.
Boston has three first-round draft picks, including its 2024 selection, that they could send out. The Celtics also have five second round picks. Plus, they have draft and stash assets, Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin.
The Athletic’s James L. Edwards recently reported that the Celtics are interested in Detroit Pistons Isaiah Stewart. It would be surprising if the Pistons dealt the young big man despite their struggles. The Pistons signed Stewart to an extension this past offseason, and his contract reportedly includes “poison pill” language if he is dealt.
