Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta confirmed he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May, shortly after the club’s season concluded.
Speaking with Bobby Manning of CLNS Media, the 26-year-old said the procedure corrected an issue that had lingered for several years. “We feel pretty confident in the process and we’re just grateful that we were taken care of,” Queta said.
The operation was performed early enough in the summer for Queta to resume on-court drills and conditioning work in July. He hopes to join Portugal at EuroBasket, which opens on Aug. 27.
Celtics Minutes Up for Grabs
Queta appeared in a career-high 62 games last season and averaged 13.9 minutes, posting 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds. With Kristaps Porziņģis now in Atlanta, Luke Kornet headed to San Antonio and Al Horford not expected to return, Boston’s frontcourt rotation is in flux.
The 7-footer is working with Maine Celtics assistant Taaj Ridley to improve mobility and explosiveness. “We’re figuring out ways to be athletic, ways to be out there moving well,” Queta said. “I’m really confident in the work that I put in, and it’s gonna show.” Other big men in the mix include Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman.
Debate Over Restricted Free Agency
In a conversation for The Athletic, Eric Koreen and Tony Jones suggested increasing the monetary value of qualifying offers to make teams think twice before extending them and to make the one-year tender more appealing to players.
Imagem: Sam Amico via hoopswire.com
Unfinished Off-Season Business
Keith Smith of Spotrac outlined several unresolved items across the league: the destinations of the top remaining restricted free agents, a number of notable unrestricted players still unsigned, and teams that must either trim their rosters or fill open spots before training camp.
Additional rumors circulating include LeBron James’ reported support for the Lakers’ long-term plans involving Luka Dončić, the Warriors’ stance on Jonathan Kuminga, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s continued evaluation of his future with Milwaukee, while Cavaliers guard Darius Garland provided an update on his injured foot.
Source: Hoops Wire
