NBA Notes: Queta Steps Up for Boston, Caruso Sparks Thunder, Beverley Heads to Greece
nba-notes-queta-caruso-beverley
Boston — Center Neemias Queta has filled the void in the Celtics’ frontcourt after the departures of Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Thrust into the starting lineup, the third-year big man is delivering at both ends of the floor, although his free-throw accuracy has dipped to 61.2 percent from a 71.3 percent career mark.
“I can get better,” Queta said. “It’s been a tough year for me at the line. That’s unacceptable. I’m too good of a shooter to shoot that bad.”
His emergence has proved critical with reserve centers Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman no longer in the rotation. When Queta sits, coach Joe Mazzulla has turned to smaller alignments, often slotting Josh Minott and various wings in the middle.
Caruso’s All-Around Impact in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City — Guard Alex Caruso continued his do-it-all reputation during Saturday’s NBA Cup loss to San Antonio. With the Thunder offense stalling, the veteran steadied the team late, posting seven points, three rebounds and two steals in eight fourth-quarter minutes.
Caruso ended the night with 11 points on efficient shooting, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Oklahoma City was plus-22 during his 24 minutes, underscoring the value he provides beyond the box-score headlines.
Beverley Signs with Greek Club PAOK
Thessaloniki, Greece — Veteran guard Patrick Beverley has reached a contract agreement with Greek side PAOK and is expected to finalize the deal upon passing a physical. Beverley last appeared in the NBA with Milwaukee during the 2023-24 season and spent the previous year in Israel.
The 36-year-old’s move overseas follows an offseason arrest in Texas on an assault charge involving a family or household member, a legal matter that remains unresolved.
Once the physical is complete, Beverley will begin his first stint in the Greek league as he looks to extend a professional career that began in 2008.
Source: Hoops Wire
