The Boston Celtics face a pivotal moment in their roster construction for the 2025-26 season, with their starting center position up in the air after Kristaps Porzingis’ move to Atlanta and Luke Kornet’s departure to San Antonio. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury, this season is shaping up as a transitional year, and the Celtics must decide whether to trust young prospects Neemias Queta and Luka Garza or pursue a trade for a proven center. NBA insider Brett Siegel suggests Boston is leaning toward developing Queta rather than making a splashy trade before the season. Can Queta or Garza step up to fill the void, or will the Celtics need to hit the trade market by the deadline?
The departure of Porzingis and Kornet has left the Boston Celtics with a significant gap at center, forcing them to rely on unproven talents or consider trade options. With the team already active in the trade market and Tatum’s injury creating a “gap year,” the decision to stick with Queta or Garza—or seek outside help—will shape Boston’s season. Let’s analyze the current roster, the case for developing Queta, the potential for Garza, and the trade scenarios that could unfold.
The Celtics’ Center Situation
The loss of Kristaps Porzingis, a versatile 7’3 stretch-five, and Luke Kornet, a reliable rim protector, has left Boston’s frontcourt thin. Porzingis’ move to Atlanta and Kornet’s signing with San Antonio have forced the Celtics to turn to Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, neither of whom has started regularly in the NBA. Queta, a 25-year-old, 7’0 center, played just 13.9 minutes per game last season, averaging 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. Garza, a 26-year-old, 6’10 big man, posted 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both players are set to see career-high minutes, offering a chance to prove themselves but also exposing Boston’s lack of proven depth at the position.
NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that the Celtics are unlikely to trade for a center before the season, stating, “The idea of the Celtics trading for frontcourt depth before the season is unlikely, as the organization is excited to see the growth of Neemias Queta.” This suggests Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, is prioritizing development over immediate acquisitions, especially in a season tempered by Tatum’s absence. Fans on X are split, with one user noting, “Queta’s got potential, but trusting him as a starter in a contender’s lineup feels risky.”
The Case for Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta, a former second-round pick, brings defensive upside to the table. At 7’0 with a 7’4 wingspan, Queta is a natural rim protector, averaging 0.8 blocks in limited minutes last season. His athleticism and size make him a strong fit for Boston’s switch-heavy defensive scheme under coach Joe Mazzulla. However, his offensive game remains raw, with limited shooting range and playmaking ability. Last season’s 13.9 minutes per game marked his most extensive NBA action, and the Celtics see this as an opportunity to develop him into a reliable starter. As Siegel notes, the organization’s excitement about Queta’s growth reflects confidence in his ability to handle a larger role.
Queta’s defensive prowess gives him an edge over Garza, who struggles on that end. A Celtics fan on X commented, “Queta’s defense could anchor the paint, but he needs to step up offensively to hold the starting spot.” With Tatum out, Boston can afford to experiment, using this season to evaluate whether Queta can grow into a long-term solution at center. His development will be critical, as the Celtics aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference despite their challenges.
Luka Garza’s Offensive Potential
Luka Garza, acquired from Minnesota, offers a different skill set. Known for his scoring touch, Garza shot 48.0% from the field and 36.0% from three last season, albeit in limited minutes. His ability to stretch the floor could complement Boston’s spacing-heavy offense, especially alongside perimeter threats like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. However, Garza’s defensive limitations—slow foot speed and struggles against quicker bigs—make him a liability in Mazzulla’s system. As Siegel’s report implies, Queta’s defensive edge makes him the frontrunner to start, but Garza’s offensive skills could earn him significant minutes, particularly in matchups favoring scoring.
Garza’s lack of defensive impact is a concern, with one X user stating, “Garza can score, but he’ll get exposed on defense against elite bigs like Embiid or Giannis.” Still, his offensive versatility provides a fallback option if Queta struggles to produce points. Both players will get ample opportunity to showcase their skills, with the increased playing time offering a proving ground for their long-term roles.
Trade Options at the Deadline
While Boston is unlikely to trade for a center before the season, Siegel suggests they could revisit the market at the February 2026 trade deadline if Queta and Garza underperform. The Celtics’ active offseason—highlighted by trade interest in their $100 million guard, per recent reports—shows their willingness to make bold moves. Potential trade targets could include proven bigs like Clint Capela (Hawks) or Nikola Vucevic (Bulls), who offer rim protection and rebounding, or stretch-bigs like Myles Turner (Pacers) to replicate Porzingis’ skill set. However, Boston’s cap situation and Tatum’s $34.8 million salary (despite his injury) limit their flexibility, making a blockbuster trade challenging without moving a key piece like White or Jrue Holiday.
The trade market’s dynamics will depend on Boston’s performance. If Queta or Garza steps up, the Celtics may stick with their current roster, using the season to develop young talent. If the team struggles in the East, where teams like Philadelphia and Milwaukee remain threats, Stevens may pull the trigger on a deal. An X post captured the sentiment: “If Queta flops, Brad Stevens will find a center by the deadline. He always has a plan.”
The Gap Year Strategy
Tatum’s injury, a season-ending Achilles tear, has lowered expectations for 2025-26, giving Boston a “gap year” to experiment with their roster. This context makes their faith in Queta and Garza more understandable, as the pressure to contend is reduced. The Celtics can use this season to evaluate their young bigs, preserve cap flexibility, and position themselves for a stronger run in 2026-27 when Tatum returns. However, a poor season could force a midseason pivot, especially if Boston falls out of playoff contention. The balance between development and competitiveness will define their approach, with Queta and Garza at the heart of the experiment.
The Boston Celtics’ center situation is a high-stakes puzzle for the 2025-26 season. With Porzingis and Kornet gone, the team is betting on Neemias Queta’s defensive potential and Luka Garza’s offensive flair to fill the void, while keeping the trade market in their back pocket. This transitional year offers a chance to develop young talent, but the risks of relying on unproven players are clear. Will Queta or Garza rise to the occasion, or will Boston need to make a deadline deal to stay competitive? Fans, what’s your take—can Queta and Garza hold down the fort, or should the Celtics trade for a proven center?