Celtics frontcourt in focus as Queta seeks answers at the line
celtics-frontcourt-in-focus-as-queta-seeks-answers-at-the-line
Boston’s search for stability in the paint has largely been answered by Neemias Queta, but the starting center is frustrated by an unexpected dip in free-throw accuracy. Entering Saturday, the 25-year-old was converting just 61.2% at the stripe after arriving with a 71.3% career mark.
“I’m too good of a shooter to shoot that bad,” Queta said, adding that repetition and lower-body mechanics might be factors. Despite the issue, his overall production has eased concerns created by last summer’s departure of Kristaps Porziņģis and free-agency exits by Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has turned to smaller lineups when Queta rests, using Josh Minott and others in the middle. Reserve bigs Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman have fallen out of the rotation.
Tatum posts workouts, but timeline unchanged
Seven months after rupturing his Achilles tendon, Jayson Tatum shared several lengthy workout videos on Instagram this week. A league source told The Boston Globe the All-Star still must clear multiple recovery benchmarks before a return can be considered, though Tatum continues to remind team officials he hopes to play this season.
Walsh drawing league-wide praise
Third-year forward Jordan Walsh has impressed opponents with elite defense and torrid shooting—he is 30-for-37 from the field and 9-for-12 from three-point range in December. “His energy is infectious,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after Thursday’s game in Milwaukee. “If you don’t want to play hard when you’re watching him, then there’s something wrong with you.”
Trade-deadline considerations
Boston could accelerate its search for another center if optimism grows around Tatum’s return, according to Brian Robb of MassLive. Robb noted the Celtics may be reluctant to surrender multiple first-round picks for a player such as Ivica Zubac and could instead explore minimum-salary options if a higher-end target is unattainable.
Source: Hoops Rumors
