Boston Celtics Announce Neemias Queta as Starting Center Amid Roster Overhaul

The Boston Celtics are entering the 2025-26 NBA season facing significant roster changes and challenges, particularly at the center position, following the departures of Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet amid salary cuts. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has indicated that 7-foot center Neemias Queta, who is 26 years old and showed strong performance in the recent FIBA EuroBasket 2025, is the favorite to start at center, marking a major step in his career as he assumes greater responsibility. Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable for the season opener due to a left hamstring strain, while Jayson Tatum remains out indefinitely recovering from a torn Achilles. Despite a less experienced and talented roster, Brown emphasized the need for a faster, energetic style of play to remain competitive. Meanwhile, the Celtics are reportedly interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, who is on an expiring contract and could provide affordable frontcourt depth as the team looks to maintain competitiveness while managing salary constraints. Richards, seen as a solid rim protector and rebounder, could be a trade target if the Celtics seek to bolster their interior presence midseason.