Because the Boston Celtics' front office operates in the shadows under Brad Stevens, there hasn't been a whole lot of chatter about what their next move is this summer. There has been intel suggesting that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to join them, but not much about whether the feeling is mutual.
Many are keeping their eyes peeled on if they shore up their frontcourt this summer, and if they do, what that would mean for Neemias Queta. One possible option that's been mentioned is Mitchell Robinson, who has been a key ingredient of the New York Knicks success, but it appears he might not be on their radar.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that Robinson will have suitors, but didn't mention the Celtics as one of them.
"Teams regularly relayed to me when I've asked around about Robinson's status have pointed to the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors. Those are all clubs known to be looking for center upgrades," Fischer wrote.
Robinson is one of the biggest names who will hit the market, so the fact that Boston apparently isn't one of his potential suitors until any intel suggests otherwise may also indicate that they are confident in Queta going forward.
Queta had an awesome regular season for the Celtics after they inserted him as their starting center, but followed that up with an all-around terrible playoff performance. Perhaps Boston sees it as another stepping stone into him becoming their long-term center of the future, but the postseason exposed some concerns about him.
If it weren't for the fact that Boston is on the clock with the Jays in their prime, there wouldn't be as much pressure on Queta to be ready for the big leagues. Because their time is now, he has to grow up pretty quickly.
Alternatively, the Celtics may be looking for an upgrade via trade
To be fair, even if Robinson is a valuable player, he is of the same mold as Robert Williams III i.e.e he has the talent to be a starter, but because he gets hurt as much he does, he is at his best as a specialist. Hence, it's possible Boston may not want him because they want a center who is consistently available on top of being useful.
And even so, he is one of the best options Boston can realistically sign off the market this summer. That's why it's definitely possible that the Celtics may look into getting an upgrade over Queta in a trade, because that clear-as-day upgrade might not be available in free agency.
Boston can absolutely pull something like this off, but it's very possible they believe that Queta will continue to get better from here. The playoffs sent a harsh reminder that they should be mindful as to whether that's the best idea. Even so, Queta played well enough that Boston just might be that comfortable with him going forward, even if it may not be the right call in the end.
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