The Boston Celtics have made clear commitments to Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson as their centers of the future. Queta signed a four-year extension, while Robinson signed a three-year deal of his own. Though it seems likely that Queta will start, Robinson's role and minutes could be far more limited than some might've anticipated.
With Queta coming off of a career year and seemingly improving, he could make Robinson a low-usage player sooner than later if he lives up to his potential.
Keith Smith of Spotrac noted in late July that the Celtics planned for Queta to start and for Robinson to come off of the bench. That alone could create a degree of awkwardness, as Robinson signed a three-year, $47,388,600 contract that seemingly implied he'd have a shot at the starting lineup.
Queta signed an extension with Boston that will pay him even more for even longer, however, at four years and $56 million.
Perhaps Robinson knew what his role would be when he signed and that part is thus much ado about nothing. What could make the situation uncomfortable, however, is if Queta excels to the point that he caps Robinson at less than 20 minutes per game.
If Robinson is stuck in a role that was as limited as what he played for the Knicks in 2026-27, however, the three years he spends in Boston may not be as comfortable as planned.
How much will Mitchell Robinson play if Neemias Queta improves?
Though they're not identical players, Robinson and Queta effectively check the same boxes. Both are elite rim protectors with a powerful presence on the offensive glass and significant value in the pick and roll. Robinson is a bit more mobile defensively, but their impact is similar.
That conversation includes their limitations, as both Robinson and Queta have limited range offensively. In turn, they may not play all that many minutes together.
With this in mind, it's fair to question how an uptick in playing time for Queta from his 2025-26 average of 25.3 minutes per game might impact Robinson. If there are only 48 minutes to go around on average, then Queta approaching or even exceeding the 30.0 mark would create an issue of basic math.
The inverse could prove true, as well, if Robinson outplays Queta and the Celtics opt to go with him instead and thus leave limited minutes for their $60 million man.
The same could transpire if Robinson's recent injury history carries into 2026-27. He missed 22 games in 2025-26 and was absent from 65 in 2024-25, 51 in 2023-24, and 23 in 2023-24. If something similar transpires in 2026-27 and Queta thrives in his absence, decreasing his minutes upon Robinson's return could prove problematic.
Perhaps this is a good problem to have, as Robinson and Queta could create tremendous balance between the starters and reserves. If one elevates their play and the other doesn't, however, then massive question marks will exist.
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