What the Celtics are missing at the center position is plain to see

Neemias Queta played like a top-10 player at his position last season. The Boston Celtics don't need to upgrade from that. If they strike a blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, it would make sense to deploy him at the pivot at times. However, outside of a scenario like that, the focus at the five spot should be on the minutes behind Queta.

What the Celtics need is a partner to tag in for him who gives Boston a potent 1-2 punch. That could come through the draft. For example, some pundits project that the 18-time NBA champions will select a center, such as Henri Veesaar. The University of North Carolina standout is a skilled seven-footer. However, a veteran filling that role would be more assuring. That's especially true in the postseason.

When scanning for realistic moves, Isaiah Hartenstein is among the best potential acquisitions. It would require the Oklahoma City Thunder to decline his $28.5 million team option. That might not even lead to his departure from last year's title winners. However, it would open the door for the Celtics to utilize their $27.7 million traded-player exception to bring him to Boston for a figure that fits into that TPE.

Another enticing option is Mitchell Robinson. The New York Knicks, who are back in the Finals for the first time since 1999, might refuse to let him leave this summer. However, he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

He would give the C's another beast on the boards who helps them win on the margins, helping limit opponents to one shot per possession while creating extra opportunities on offense. Like Queta, this athletic seven-footer is also an effective rim protector on one end and a lob threat at the other.

Unlike Hartenstein, Robinson wouldn't introduce a new dynamic to Boston's depth chart at the center spot. However, he would ensure the operation doesn't miss a beat when Queta's off the floor.

The Celtics don't need a new starting center

In his first year in that role, Queta averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks.

He registered the fourth-highest net rating in the league [13.2] among those who appeared in at least 60 games while logging at least 25 minutes of playing time, per NBA.com. He was fifth in win shares per 48 minutes. The Lisbon, Portugal native had the third-highest field goal percentage [65.3 percent]. He grabbed the eighth-most offensive rebounds [230], was 11th in total rebounds [636], and provided the second-most screen assists [273].

What he demonstrated in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers spoke volumes about him.

Foul trouble had undermined Queta throughout the series. And in that final winner-take-all matchup, he got moved to the bench. He responded with resilience.

In his best performance of that first-round rivalry clash, the 26-year-old produced 17 points, the third-most on his team, and 12 rebounds, tying Joel Embiid for the most in the contest. It was a display of mental fortitude on an elevated stage. It told the organization it doesn't need to look for his replacement in the first unit.

Could an Al Horford reunion be in play?

As they scan the market for an option who can fortify what they have at the center position, a reunion with Al Horford has some appeal to it. He has a player option worth slightly south of $6 million for the 2026-27 campaign. As he and the Golden State Warriors navigate what's next, Steve Kerr's return could signal that the five-time All-Star will follow suit.

However, it would make sense for Horford's camp and Boston to explore a potential reunion. He's about to turn 40, but even in a bit of a down year, the likely future Basketball Hall of Famer averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks. He also knocked down 36.1 percent of the 4.6 threes he hoisted.

In a testament to his winning ways, in the Warriors' first game in the play-in tournament, Horford drilled four threes in the final frame, helping propel his team past the Los Angeles Clippers.

Maybe he returns for a second season in the Bay Area. However, if the Celtics can bring him aboard for a third stint, he would bolster what they have at center. He could also continue mentoring Queta, as he builds off the evolution that occurred while Horford was on the West Coast.

Would the Celtics bring back Kristaps Porzingis?

Speaking of potential reunions, Boston could even explore bringing back Kristaps Porzingis. It would be understandable if anyone, inside or out of the organization, were against that dice roll on his durability. After all, unfortunately, he battled injuries and an illness that rendered him a shell of himself during his two playoff runs in green.

However, he averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks last season while splitting his time between the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. When he's in the lineup, he remains effective.

The Celtics also know that Luka Garza would be ready to capitalize on an increased opportunity on nights that Porzingis is not available. Even so, Boston might aim for a more dependable option.

Whether it's acquiring Sandro Mamukelashvili or another less talked-about option, what's clear is that the Celtics should feel confident moving forward with Queta while working to create a potent 1-2 punch at the center position.

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