NBA Notes: Neemias Queta, Celtics, Restricted Free Agents, Offseason

August 4, 2025

Neemias Queta, Celtics, NBA — File photo

Celtics big man Neemias Queta revealed he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee shortly after Boston’s NBA season ended in May.

Speaking to Bobby Manning of CLNS Media, Queta said the procedure addressed an issue that had been bothering him for several seasons.

“It’s been good,” Queta said of his recovery. “We’ve been dealing with this stuff for a couple years. We just decided it was a great time for us to do it. We feel pretty confident in the process and we’re just grateful that we were taken care of.”

The surgery came early enough in the offseason that Queta was able to resume on-court and conditioning work in July. He’s hopeful to suit up for Portugal in EuroBasket, which begins August 27.

Bigger Role in Boston?

Queta, who turned 26 last month, appeared in a career-high 62 games during the 2024–25 season and averaged 13.9 minutes per game.

With Kristaps Porzingis battling injuries and Al Horford on a managed schedule, Queta became a regular contributor, averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per night.

With Porzingis now in Atlanta, Luke Kornet headed to San Antonio, and Horford not expected back, Queta could see an expanded role this season.

Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman are also in the frontcourt mix, but Queta has been putting in work with Maine Celtics assistant Taaj Ridley and believes he’s on track to make a strong case.

“We’re reconditioning our body,” he said. “We’re figuring out ways to be athletic, ways to be out there moving well. I’m really confident in the work that I put in, the amount of hours that I put in, and it’s gonna show.”

Should Qualifying Offers Be Worth More?

Eric Koreen and Tony Jones of The Athletic discussed potential changes to the NBA’s restricted free agency system.

Koreen suggested that raising the value of qualifying offers would give teams more reason to hesitate before making a player restricted and could make the one-year offer more attractive to players.

What’s Left on the Offseason Radar

Keith Smith of Spotrac highlighted several key storylines that remain unresolved this offseason.

Among them are the futures of the top remaining restricted free agents, a handful of notable unrestricted free agents still available, and a group of teams that need to either trim their roster or fill open spots before the season begins.