Neemias Queta underwent knee surgery earlier this offseason, though it doesn’t sound serious as he’s expected to be back on the court playing soon. Queta revealed to CLNS’ Bobby Manning that he had an arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs against the Knicks.
Queta is expected to have a larger role for the Celtics next season as he’s a potential starter at the big man spot. So C’s fans are certainly invested in his health as the backup big man has developed well in his time in Boston.
“It’s been good,” Queta told Manning. “We’ve been dealing with this stuff (since) a couple years ago. We just decided it was a great time for us to do it. We’re trying to get back to 100%. We feel pretty confident in the process and we’re just grateful that we were taken care of, and I want to make sure I’m healthy and get back to 100% and I feel like I’m on the right path to do that.”
Queta also plans to play for his native Portugal as part of the EuroBasket tournament, which opens later this month. So as long as there are no setbacks, it appears Queta should be fine going forward as the Celtics open training camp in a couple months.
The Celtics significantly altered their roster this offseason. They’ve already lost three rotation players in Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. Al Horford is also expected to sign with the Warriors, upping that total to four departing pieces for the Celtics.
Among that list is also notably three big men — who were all ahead of Queta on the depth chart — who are no longer on Boston’s roster. That puts the spotlight on what the C’s will do at the center spot going forward. As of now, the roster features Queta, Xavier Tillman and newly-signed Luka Garza as the options.
Queta played in a career-high 62 games (six starts) last season, averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He was originally signed on a two-way contract by the Celtics before getting promoted to the active roster. He’s been a nice addition as Queta has shown to be a capable backup big, especially deeper down the depth chart.
But with more responsibilities coming next season, Queta will be relied upon more even if the Celtics add another option at the big man spot. For now, all Queta will look to do is rehab from his surgery.
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