The Celtics came into this season with more questions than answers at the center position. With Robert Williams gone and Al Horford aging out of heavy-minute territory, the frontcourt looked like a patchwork job.
That uncertainty had some projecting Boston to stumble-maybe even into the lottery. But here we are, deep into the season, and not only have the Celtics stayed afloat, they’ve found unexpected depth at the five.
Neemias Queta has emerged as a legitimate contributor. Luka Garza has carved out a role.
And now, Nikola Vucevic is joining the mix. That’s a lot of size, skill, and options for Joe Mazzulla to work with.
The question now isn’t whether the Celtics have enough at center-it’s who should start.
Let’s break it down.
The Case for Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic brings a veteran presence and a polished offensive game. With the Bulls this season, he was putting up 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in over 30 minutes of action.
That’s not just production-that’s consistency. He’s a two-time All-Star who knows how to operate within the flow of an offense and isn’t afraid of the moment.
What makes Vucevic especially valuable in today’s NBA is his ability to stretch the floor. He’s shooting 37% from three, which forces opposing bigs to step out and opens up driving lanes for Boston’s perimeter threats. Add in his passing-underrated, but impactful-and you’ve got a big who can facilitate from the high post and keep the offense humming.
Defensively, he’s not a rim deterrent like Queta, but he’s smart, experienced, and rarely out of position. He won’t anchor a defense, but he won’t break it either.
The Case for Queta
Neemias Queta, on the other hand, has been a revelation. He’s not putting up eye-popping numbers-10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 25 minutes-but his impact goes beyond the box score. He’s a physical presence in the paint, a strong rim-runner in transition, and a tone-setter on defense.
Queta brings a vertical spacing element that Boston hasn’t had in years. His screen-setting is already among the best on the roster, and his ability to roll hard to the rim forces defenses to collapse. That opens up kick-out opportunities and second-chance points.
Defensively, he’s a plus at the rim. He’s mobile enough to hold his own in drop coverage and strong enough to battle with traditional bigs.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s already comfortable in Mazzulla’s system. That kind of continuity matters, especially when the rest of the roster is built to contend now.
Oh, and he’s nearly a decade younger than Vucevic. That doesn’t just speak to potential-it speaks to energy, legs, and long-term value.
What’s the Right Move?
This isn’t a clear-cut decision. Vucevic gives you a high-IQ, floor-spacing big who can help unlock different offensive looks.
Queta gives you defense, verticality, and a physical edge that’s hard to teach. Both bring something the Celtics can use.
If you’re looking for stability and playoff experience, Vucevic might be the guy. If you want to maintain defensive identity and grow with a young core, Queta has earned serious consideration. And don’t forget-Garza is still there as a reliable third option, giving Boston flexibility depending on the matchup.
This is a good problem to have. For a team with championship aspirations, optionality at center is a luxury.
Mazzulla’s decision will likely come down to fit, matchups, and who meshes best with the starting five. But make no mistake: whether it’s Vucevic or Queta getting the nod, the Celtics are in a much better place at the five than anyone expected back in October.