Derrick White expressed optimism about a young Boston Celtics player for the 2025-26 season.
Boston Celtics Shake Up Frontcourt with New Signings and Departures
The Boston Celtics have made some significant moves in the offseason, with the departures of key players such as Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford leaving a noticeable gap in the team's frontcourt depth. To fill these vacancies, the Celtics have brought in Chris Boucher, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza.
Chris Boucher, who parted ways with the Toronto Raptors this offseason, has signed a one-year deal with the Celtics. Boucher, who has played in 407 games over eight seasons and made 23 starts, could offer floor spacing for the Celtics if he were to start at center.
However, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has not yet announced who will start at center for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Mazzulla has been preparing Neemias Queta for a potential increased role, as the traditional center has shown rim protection and finishing ability. Queta, who was a second-round draft pick by the Kings in 2021, has played in 90 games over the last two seasons, making six starts.
Queta is not a three-point shooter, but his defensive prowess and finishing ability have caught the eye of Derrick White, who recently praised Queta on his podcast, suggesting that he could be the starting center for the Celtics in the 2025-26 season. White believes that Queta could have a significant role for Boston, and Mazzulla has been preparing him for an opportunity like this.
Queta was previously buried in the depth chart behind experienced players, but this is not the case heading into the 2025-26 season. With the departures of key players, Queta has a chance to seize a starting role and make an impact for the Celtics.
Meanwhile, Luka Garza is relied upon for his skill despite defensive limitations. Garza, who was not prominently mentioned as a starter option, offers a different skill set to Queta and Boucher, and Mazzulla is yet to make a decision on who will start at center for the upcoming season.
The Celtics are in search of a starting center for the 2025-26 season, and it remains to be seen who will emerge as the team's go-to option in the frontcourt. With the team essentially starting over at center, it will be interesting to see how Queta, Boucher, and Garza perform and whether they can fill the void left by the departures of Porzingis, Kornet, and Horford.
In the backcourt, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White are expected to form the starting duo, while Jaylen Brown will occupy one of the forward positions, with Anfernee Simons starting from the bench. As the Celtics prepare for the 2025-26 season, the team will look to gel quickly and make a strong push for the playoffs.
