Speaking candidly at EuroBasket, Kristaps Porzingis acknowledged he had not closely analyzed the Celtics’ depth chart following his trade but expressed confidence in Neemias Queta’s steady improvement and work ethic.

He highlighted the 26-year-old center’s progression under Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, stating that Queta “deserves some real rotation minutes” after consistently putting in effort on and off the court. Porzingis lauded Queta’s character and growth, calling him a “great dude” and expressing happiness about the prospect of seeing him play more minutes this season. 

Celtics’ Strategic Roster Moves

The trade sending Porzingis to Atlanta also included a 2026 second-round pick, while Boston received Georges Niang and a future draft pick.

This roster shuffle allowed the Celtics to shed Porzingis’s nearly $31 million salary for the 2025-26 season, a crucial financial step to maneuver below the luxury tax apron and maintain operational flexibility amid the absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury.

Trading Porzingis reflects Boston’s broader strategy focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with fiscal responsibility, as they look to optimize their roster around stars like Jaylen Brown and emerging talents while managing the salary cap constraints that come with recent success. 

Queta’s Moment to Shine

For Neemias Queta, now entering his fifth NBA season, the Celtics are projecting a rare chance for a bigger role. The Utah State product increased his playing time last season, appearing in 62 games and averaging 5 points with 3.8 rebounds per outing.

His impressive EuroBasket performance, where he averaged 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks across four games for Portugal, has only added to the Celtics' enthusiasm and trust in his potential. 

Queta enters training camp as a projected starter along with competition from Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, and Chris Boucher, all fighting to fill the pivotal center rotation.

With less pressure to win it all this year, the Celtics seem poised to give Queta and others the runway to develop and define the next era in Boston’s frontcourt. 

Porzingis’s trade symbolizes a new chapter in Boston’s rebuilding journey, one that leans on youth development and financial savvy, while Queta’s emergence offers fans a glimpse of the Celtics’ future possibilities.