Celtics’ Roster Already Raising Red Flags

Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Damion Baugh (7) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

What will the 2025-26 Boston Celtics look like without Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet or (probably) Al Horford?

More news: Celtics Named 'Best Fit' for Future Hall of Fame Free Agent by NBA Insider

It seems unlikely Boston will be able to log another 60-win season, but thanks to a core of four-time All-Star wing Jaylen Brown, two-time All-Defensive guard Derrick White, Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, and (maybe) new trade acquisition Anfernee Simons (he may be offloaded), the Celtics could at least remain competitive this coming season.

John Schumann of NBA.com believes that the biggest question mark on the Celtics' roster is at the center position.

More news: Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Credits Lakers Legend As Motivation for New Project

"What talent remains in Boston is all on the perimeter. As things stand, their bigs are Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman," Schumann writes, omitting Chris Boucher — who might even start at power forward in the stead of the injured Tatum.

"That group is going to struggle matching up with the frontlines of the top six teams in these rankings," Schumann opined.

Neemias Queta's Starting Job to Lose?

Queta, 26, is technically only a partially guaranteed contract until Boston's season opener. In 62 bouts last season for the 61-21 Celtics (six starts), the 7-footer out of Lisbon averaged 5.0 points on 65 percent shooting from the floor and 75.4 percent shooting from the foul line, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.7 blocks a night.

He generally played spot minutes when all of the Celtics' roster was healthy across the last two seasons, as the fourth option behind former one-time All-Star starter Kristaps Porzingis, former five-time All-Star sixth man big Al Horford, and third-string big Luke Kornet.

The oft-hurt Porzingis will now likely back up Onyeka Okongwu on the Atlanta Hawks, while Kornet inked a three-season, $41 million free agent deal to play behind All-Star San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.

Horford, for now, remains unsigned, after Boston tendered what would presumably have had to be a minimum salary offer his way.

The 6-foot-9 Florida product, who in both of the last two playoffs has enjoyed a bigger role on the team than Porzingis (who was dealing with major health issues during both runs), reportedly has a verbal agreement in place to join the Golden State Warriors on a two-year deal, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.