© Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
After Signing Queta, Celtics Should Fill 2-Way Void with Maine Teammate
On Monday night, the Boston Celtics announced they've filled their 15th roster spot by converting Neemias Queta from a two-way to a standard contract.
According to Brian Robb of MassLive, their pact is a multi-year deal, though terms were not disclosed, per team policy.
Waiting until he neared the end of his 50-day limit in the NBA under his previous contract to make him playoff-eligible was a calculated decision for the Celtics, who are over the second apron.
It also may have proven more costly to procrastinate this decision until the summer. That includes risking losing the 24-year-old from Lisbon, Portugal, to another suitor who viewed him as capable of becoming their primary backup center.
The former second-round pick has impressed while with Boston, including registering his first two double-doubles. He scored a career-high 14 points and grabbed a personal-best 12 rebounds in a 145-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 23. He produced ten points and ten rebounds in a 132-126 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 19.
Queta is averaging 4.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 11.4 minutes in 26 appearances with the C's.
Despite no longer being on a two-way contract, he remains eligible to play for the Maine Celtics in the G League Finals, which start Tuesday night on their home floor at the Expo in Portland. The parent club can assign him to the former like they've been doing with Jordan Walsh this season.
Just as Queta's been vital to Maine reaching the championship round for the first time, generating 17 points and 17.5 rebounds per playoff contest, DJ Steward has also played a pivotal role.
The former Duke Blue Devil came off the bench to deliver a game-high 27 points, including 19 in the final frame of Sunday's 99-77 win over the Long Island Nets in the G League Eastern Conference Finals.
The Chicago native is averaging 22.5 points, dishing out four assists, and drilling 50 percent of the nine threes he's hoisted in Maine's two playoff tilts.
Steward's name should be at the top of their list as the Celtics consider how to fill their now-vacant two-way slot.
Further Reading
Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics
Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value
Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him
Jaylen Brown Shares What's Fueling Career Year: 'Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit'
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
