Boston Celtics 'might prefer' to sort out futures of second unit big rotation before deciding on two-way center
Before making a decision on two-way center Neemias Queta, the Boston Celtics might prefer to sort out the futures of the rest of their big man rotation -- Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Xavier Tillman -- this offseason according to Inside The Celtics' Bobby Krivitsky.
"Perhaps Boston will convert Neemias Queta from a two-way to a standard NBA contract, a prospect Inside The Celtics spoke with the franchise's president of basketball operations Brad Stevens about," Krivitsky prefaced before saying, "But they might prefer to sort out the futures of Al Horford, Xavier Tillman, and Luke Kornet this summer before determining if it's best to sign Queta to a standard contract or see if he'll return on a two-way deal."
Horford is the only big with a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 season, though a championship could be the cherry on top of what could be a Hall of Fame-worthy career for the 37-year-old. Kornet's cap hold is just above $2 million, while Tillman's is a smidge under $1.9 million.
One analyst felt Neemias Queta earned full-scale Boston Celtics contract before trade deadline
Ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline, CelticsBlog's Adam Taylor felt that Queta had earned a full-scale contract with the Cs based on his early-season play.
"I am not saying (Queta) should be part of the playoff rotation," Taylor prefaced before saying, "I am saying that in a pinch, he could fulfill a role and give you something different. I also get that there’s a legitimate case to find another wing or even another guard. I can see the value in both of those arguments, especially in the case of a backup ball handler. However, Oshae Brissett is emerging as a potential backup wing, which has negated the urgency in finding an upgrade for that position. I’m neither sold on Dalano Banton as Payton Pritchard’s backup.
"However, Mazzulla has had to shuffle the center rotation the most. Queta has grasped his opportunities with both hands. He’s earned the chance to sign a full-scale NBA contract for the remainder of the season."
The Tillman acquisition changed everything for Queta, but the former's contract situation, along with Kornet's, could either give the two-way big another chance or shut the door for good on his deal becoming guaranteed.