SEPTEMBER 19: The Celtics have officially signed Queta to a two-way contract, the team announced on Tuesday in a press release.
SEPTEMBER 16: Free agent center Neemias Queta is signing a two-way contract with the Celtics, league sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (Twitter link).
Queta played three college seasons at Utah State before Sacramento drafted him 39th overall in 2021. He spent his first two professional seasons with the Kings on two-way contracts, appearing in 20 total NBA games for an average of 7.5 MPG.
While his role with the Kings was modest, Queta excelled in the G League with their affiliate in Stockton. In 2022/23, he earned a spot on the All-NBAGL First Team and finishing second in MVP voting. He averaged 16.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 APG and 1.9 BPG in 27.7 MPG across 29 regular season appearances for the Stockton Kings.
Queta, who is the NBA’s first player from Portugal, was a restricted free this summer. He ultimately signed a partially guaranteed two-year deal to return to the Kings, but was waived this week after the team signed JaVale McGee to a guaranteed contract.
It’s worth noting that the 7’0″ big man sustained a stress reaction and sprain in his right foot during July Summer League action. However, that was more than two months ago, and clearly the Celtics are comfortable with Queta’s health.
As James Ham of The Kings Beat tweets, Boston could be a good landing spot for Queta. Kristaps Porzingis and Robert Williams have dealt with numerous injuries over the years, and Al Horford is 37. The only other big man on the roster is Luke Kornet, whose contract for 2023/24 is non-guaranteed.
Queta’s two-way deal will pay him $559,782 and will make him eligible to appear in up to 50 regular season contests. Once the signing is official, the Celtics will have 18 players under contract, with all three two-way slots filled.
I know the 3 two-way contract players, who is the 15th roster player I am missing? I see 14:
Ball handlers (4): Derrick White, Malcom Brogdon, Payton Pritchard, Dalano Banton
Wings (6): Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Svi Mykhailiuk, Oshae Brissett, Jordan Walsh (R)
Bigs (4): Kristaps Porziņģis, Robert Williams III, Al Horford, Luke Kornet
No one. They still have a roster spot open.
Taylor Funk, on an Exhibit 10 contract, is the 18th player on the current roster, but he’s almost definitely not going to make the regular season roster.
Great move
Where’s Kurtis Blows?
Where are you Jeff Jarrett
Why the Kings let go of the G-League MVP runner-up is questionable. Would rather have this guy as the third-string center than Alex Len.
I’ve been saying this for a month now. Kings are clueless. Trade 1st pick to sign their own players. Last year was a fluke now. Didn’t improve at all
The kings are going for it this year. They feel like they’re ready. A veteran and seasoned big man Off the Bench would be more valuable than a newbie in that case.
Celtics would have a A+++. If they didn’t trade Smart but instead white or Brogdon with picks. So they get a fat D
Time to take your Marcus Smart poster down.
Or at least tape up the hole
Another good move. Go Celtics!
Smart move by the Celtics. We need a second defensive C. I think Kornet is going to surprise. He has been working out Hard. The 15 slot will probably be whoever Spurs or Thunder cut!
Highlights I’ve seen show Queta rolling to the basket for dunks
. And he seems pretty agile on his feet and fairly quick. Hope he helps us out!
Brad you did okay with this one