The Celtics have signed an ex-Kings big man as a possible frontcourt player.
Just days after being waived, the Boston Celtics signed Neemias Queta to a two-way deal.
On Saturday, the Boston Celtics added some potential depth to their frontcourt.
According to Shams Charania, the team is nearing an agreement with former Sacramento Kings big man Neemias Queta, who was taken in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, because it is a two-way contract, the 7-footer might spend more time with the Maine Celtics in the G-League.
Queta was just waived by the Kings two days ago, and it didn’t take long for a team to pick him up. The Portugal native didn’t play much during his tenure in Sacramento, though. He suited up just 15 times in 2021-22, averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in eight minutes per night. In 2022-23 however, he played just 5.8 minutes per contest, averaging 2.4 points. Most of his time came in the G-League with the Stockton Kings where Queta shined. The ex-Utah State star was the runner-up for MVP, posting 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game
Queta was released by the Kings two days ago, and it didn’t take long for another team to sign him. However, the Portuguese native did not see much action in Sacramento. In 2021-22, he appeared in 15 games, averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in eight minutes per night. In 2022-23, though, he averaged 2.4 points in 5.8 minutes per game. The majority of his career was spent with the Stockton Kings in the G-League, where he shone. The ex-Utah State standout finished second in MVP voting, averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Given his lack of NBA production, it’s difficult to see Queta carving out a significant position with a title contender like the Celtics, especially given who they have at the five. The top two options are Al Horford and Robert Williams III, with 7-foot-2 Luke Cornet expected to be the third-string center.
Regardless, it’s yet another piece for Boston. Queta will most likely start in the G-League, but if he makes a good impression, he may receive some minutes for Joe Mazzulla’s club from time to time. We’ll also observe how he does in training camp.
