Celtics Writer Names ‘Frontrunner’ For Starting Center Job

The Boston Celtics face uncertainty at the center position for the 2025-26 season following the trade of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, Luke Kornet's departure to the San Antonio Spurs, and the expectation that Al Horford will sign elsewhere.

MassLive's Brian Robb identifies Neemias Queta as the frontrunner for the starting role, citing his continuity with the team and the Celtics' critical need for rebounding. Queta, a 7-foot, 250-pound center from Portugal, joined Boston on a two-way contract in 2023 and signed a multi-year deal in 2024. In the 2024-25 season, he played a career-high 62 games (6 starts), averaging 12.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per 36 minutes while shooting 65% from the field. Notable performances included a 19-point, 9-rebound, 6-block game against Washington and double-doubles against Golden State and the LA Clippers.

Queta's primary competition includes Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, and rookie Amari Williams. Garza, a 6-foot-10 former Iowa standout, showed strong per-possession metrics in limited minutes with Minnesota last season. Tillman, a 6-foot-7 power forward, offers defensive versatility but struggles with rebounding and rim protection. Williams, the 46th pick in the 2025 draft, is considered a raw prospect likely to develop in the G League.

Robb reiterates that Queta's experience with the Celtics and rebounding prowess solidify his position as the favorite for the starting job, a conclusion he finds difficult to dispute.