The Boston Celtics are no strangers to bold moves, but this offseason has thrown even their most loyal fans for a loop. With a roster overhaul that’s left the TD Garden buzzing with uncertainty, the biggest question mark looms at the center position. Gone are the days of Kristaps Porzingis’ rim-protecting, floor-spacing dominance, Al Horford’s veteran savvy, and Luke Kornet’s reliable hustle. A new era is dawning in Boston, and if Jayson Tatum’s recent comments are any indication, the solution to the Celtics’ center conundrum may already be in place—and it’s not who you’d expect.
For the past few seasons, Boston’s center rotation was a quiet strength, perfectly complementing the team’s high-octane, versatile style. Porzingis brought a rare blend of 3-point shooting and paint protection, a unicorn-like skill set that stretched defenses thin. Horford, the ageless wonder, morphed into a switch-everything defender and a lethal long-range shooter, defying Father Time at every turn. Kornet, the spark off the bench, delivered gritty defense, relentless rebounding, and efficient finishing. Together, this trio was a cornerstone of the Celtics’ success, helping propel them to an NBA championship in 2024.
But this summer, the Celtics’ front office tore the script to shreds. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to a devastating Achilles tear and the team’s payroll ballooning past the second tax apron, Boston made the gut-wrenching decision to hit the reset button. All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday was traded. Porzingis, the stretch-5 linchpin, was shipped out. Kornet walked in free agency, and Horford, potentially in his final NBA season, wasn’t offered a new deal. The center position, once a position of depth and versatility, was left in tatters.
Faced with a gaping hole at center, the Celtics got to work. They retained end-of-bench bigs Xavier Tillman Sr. and Neemias Queta, both known for their hustle but unproven as full-time starters. To bolster the rotation, Boston added two minimum-salary free agents: Luka Garza, a stretch-5 with a knack for scoring, and Chris Boucher, a veteran big man who spent years with the Toronto Raptors. Boucher, in particular, seemed like the logical heir to Porzingis’ role—a budget version, perhaps, but still capable of shooting from deep and swatting shots at the rim.
Fans and analysts alike pegged Boucher as the frontrunner to start. His experience, athleticism, and two-way skill set seemed tailor-made for Boston’s system. But in a twist no one saw coming, Jayson Tatum dropped a bombshell that’s turned the conversation upside down.
During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Tatum was asked about the revamped Celtics roster and how the team would navigate its massive turnover. In a moment that felt almost too casual, Tatum let slip a comment that’s sent shockwaves through the NBA: Neemias Queta, he said, will “probably be the starting center” for Boston this season.
Yes, Neemias Queta. The 26-year-old, 7-foot Portuguese big man who’s spent most of his NBA career on the fringes of the roster. The same Queta who’s played just 28 games for Boston over two seasons. It’s a stunning revelation, especially considering Queta’s relative obscurity compared to Boucher’s established resume. But is it really that surprising?
Queta’s performance this summer for Portugal at EuroBasket offers a clue. He was nothing short of a force, posting monster double-doubles as his country’s lone star. Advanced metrics have long sung his praises as a rim protector and efficient finisher, with a knack for making the most of his minutes. Perhaps the Celtics’ coaching staff, led by Joe Mazzulla, has seen something in Queta during practices—something that suggests he’s ready to step into the spotlight.
Tatum’s comment, while not an official decree from the coaching staff, carries weight. He’s the face of the franchise, after all, and his confidence in Queta speaks volumes about the team’s direction. Still, with Training Camp and the preseason on the horizon, nothing is set in stone. Boucher and Garza will have their chances to state their case, and Tillman’s defensive tenacity could still earn him a look. But for now, Queta appears to have the inside track to replace Porzingis and Horford—a daunting task for a player who’s yet to prove himself as a full-time starter.
Can Queta fill those massive shoes? His blend of size, shot-blocking, and finishing ability suggests he has the tools. His EuroBasket dominance hints at untapped potential. And with Tatum in his corner, Queta might just have the confidence to seize this opportunity. For a Celtics team desperate to stay competitive despite losing their star, Queta’s emergence could be the feel-good story of the season—and a stroke of genius for a coaching staff tasked with solving an impossible puzzle.