The Celtics have decided to decline the player option of reserve center Neemias Queta, making him a free agent, reports Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe (via Twitter).
The move doesn’t necessarily mean Queta’s days in Boston are over, according to Himmelsbach, who suggests the two sides could explore a new deal.
Queta was initially selected by the Kings out of Utah State with the No. 39 pick in 2021. After two seasons in Sacramento, the seven-footer jumped ship to join the eventual champs. He averaged a career highs of 5.5 points and 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per night with the Celtics across 28 contests, earning a promotion from his two-way contract to the 15-man roster.
He was not part of the club’s rotation during its title run, appearing for cameos in just three contests.
Im a big fan of seeing this kid develop with us if the roster space is available . I feel like he has a lot more to offer us than we have seen so far . Hope he sticks around
Im glad you were entertained by Queta in the garbage time minutes he was given. But “a lot more to offer” for the Celtics other than being a tall body… Dont hold your breath.
My thoughts exactly
Dude would of been the #1 pick in the draft this year
Neemias Queta gave Celts offensive boarding in the 2nd half of last season, thanks Neemias!, which we really needed, but when he wasn’t used in the Playoffs, the sense was Celts wanted a different & seasoned big who can shoot threes. Especially with Kristaps Porzingis out for upwards of all next season and 38 year old ‘Playoff Al’ not playing in back-to-back games. Luke and Xavier help but I believe President Brad Stevens will bring in another big similar to Horford. Daniel Theis is my choice but we haven’t gone wrong “Trusting in Brad.” Go Celtics!
Wow! Queta is back! I guess he wasn’t really gone. Great! Big year Neemias!
He’ll probably be back with the lack of moves they can make for being in the 2nd apron and all 3 bench centers as FA him, Kornet and Tillman and with KP “The glass man” expected to miss the start of the season let’s be real most of the season then not drafting a center leaves them with very little options to bring in any
Xavier Tillman and Kornet are the guys Boston wants backing up Al and KP. Queta is not a reliable NBA big.
As much as the celtics would like to keep both tillman and kornet probably only going to be able to keep one don’t be surprised if theis is back for a third time makes sense cost less as it would be a veteran minimum he knows the system and he can space the floor would be a solid cost option to fill in until porzingas is ready
Let the kid develop. He’s big, strong, active and has mobility. Can pull down offensive boards and finish near the basket. Already been in good teams, a championship roster. Let him learn from Horford and KP. First portuguese player ever