Celtics Face Frontcourt Shakeup Amid Queta Starting Debate

The Boston Celtics face a significant frontcourt transition for the 2025-26 season after losing key centers Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet. Neemias Queta, who has shown steady improvement and strong performances for Portugal in EuroBasket 2025, is poised to compete for the starting center role, with Porzingis praising his work ethic and development. Porzingis, now with the Atlanta Hawks, expressed uncertainty about the Celtics’ depth chart but acknowledged that Queta has been earning more minutes and deserves a larger role. Queta, who played a career-high 62 games last season, will face competition from new additions Luka Garza, Amari Williams, Chris Boucher, and Xavier Tillman for playing time. Celtics president Brad Stevens has also noted Queta’s potential to be impactful this season, highlighting his growth beyond a fourth-string role. As Queta leads Portugal in points, rebounds, and blocks in EuroBasket, the Celtics will look to head coach Joe Mazzulla to rigorously test him in training camp and the upcoming season.