Neemias Queta, a two-way player, is putting up a compelling argument to be the Celtics’ primary backup centre, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. After being dismissed by Sacramento, the 24-year-old big man signed with Boston in September. In Saturday’s victory over the Clippers, he contributed 14 points, 12 rebounds, a
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three assists off the bench. Queta is playing in his first meaningful NBA minutes as a result of Kristaps Porzingis’ sprained left ankle and Luke Kornet’s adductor injury, which has kept Kornet out of action for the previous week.
I’ve been waiting pretty much for this,” he remarked. “Being prepared for situations such as this. My two years were up to do that. And just be ready when it’s my turn; the rest will work itself out. I’ve just found that the game has slowed down with time and that I feel more at ease on the court.
Queta was signed by the Kings to two-way contracts for the previous two seasons after they selected him with the 39th choice in the 2021 draft. JaVale McGee was added by Sacramento this summer in an attempt to add additional experience, while Queta found his next chance with a Celtics club that needed big.
Due of his two-way deal, Queta can only play in 50 NBA games. Washburn observes that Boston is being careful by only starting Queta in 12 of its first 28 games. Later in the season, he seems to have a good chance of being converted to a normal contract, which would eliminate the games limit and make him eligible for the playoffs.
