The Boston Celtics entered the 2025-26 season facing endless questions about the quality of their options at center. After parting with both Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics opted to bank on the generally unproven abilities of Luka Garza and Neemias Queta.
Garza and Queta did a fantastic job of playing above their perceived means, but it's been the trade for Nikola Vucevic that has turned center into an absolute strength—with an invaluable three-headed monster at play.
Garza and Queta were already in fine form during the 2025-26 season. Queta has emerged as one of the better interior presences in the NBA, providing invaluable defense and offensive rebounding to a team that seemed devoid of both.
Garza, meanwhile, has offered an offensive punch with his post scoring, three-point shooting, and playmaking in relief of Queta.
The trade for Vucevic turned quality minutes into something more extreme. The two-time All-Star has provided similar value to Garza on offense with his skill set, but in more minutes and with the benefit of having a higher ceiling for his strongest performances.
As a result, Boston has solidified the interior by embracing depth as a strength and creating such a luxury that even a missed game by one of their three centers can be overcome.
Celtics' strength in numbers at center reaches new level with Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is still adapting to a new environment, but he showcased the ceiling of his ability with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes. It was his 15th game with at least 20 points in 2025-26 and his 23rd showing with a minimum of 10 rebounds.
Though the Celtics had offensive talent with Garza, Vucevic offers the high peaks and general volume that they were lacking at center.
Queta, meanwhile, ranks in the 96th percentile in rim protection, the 94th percentile in rim disruption, and the 98th percentile in rim deterrence, per Basketball Index. He's also become an elite pick and roll defender, ranking in the 96th percentile in screener rim defense and the 97th percentile in screener mobile defense.
With Vucevic offering production and the nightly potential for an eruption on offense, Queta's defensive consistency provides the perfect balance.
Where Garza factors in is his ability to provide an invaluable source of depth. For instance: Boston won its Feb. 2 clash with the Milwaukee Bucks despite Queta missing the game. Garza played 20 minutes, posting seven points, 10 rebounds, and seven offensive boards.
It was a shining example of a fundamental truth that the Vucevic trade has brought about: Once a weakness, the Celtics finally have strength at center.