Clear Favorite Has Emerged in Celtics' Starting Big Man Competition
A favorite has emerged in the Boston Celtics' competition for their starting center position.
With Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet now out of the picture, fourth-string center Neemias Queta seems to be head coach Joe Mazzulla's preferred leader in the clubhouse. Several new free agent signings, and even returning undersized big man Xavier Tillman could in theory lay claim to the gig.
All-NBA Boston power forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the second round of the playoffs this spring, meaning there's an opening at both Boston's frontcourt slots.
Brian Robb of MassLive
New #Celtics mailbag sponsored by John's Sewer and Drain Cleaning features a closer look at the encouraging start by the youngest player on the roster https://t.co/XhIMz4wO7X
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb)October 10, 2025
"Neemias Queta remains the favorite to start at center and while Tillman looks like he will be a factor in the rotation, it’s hard to envision him getting upwards of 20 minutes a night at center or in double big lineups," Robb writes.
Queta started at the five spot in Boston's stunning 107-105 preseason collapse against the Portland Trail Blazers (they were up by double digits late). In 17:18, the 7-footer scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the floor, grabbed five rebounds, blocked a shot and swiped a steal — while coughing up the ball for a team-high five turnovers
Luka Garza was the first backup center to see action, notching 12 points on 3-of-7 shooting from the field and 6-of-7 shooting from the foul line, pulling down six boards, dishing out two dimes and swiping one steal. In 16.8 minutes a night, Garza is averaging 11.0 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 75 percent shooting from the charity stripe, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.5 rejections a night.
Unpacking the Competition at Center
Tillman scored zero points on 0-of-2 shooting in 18:55, grabbed four rebounds, passed out two assists and stole the ball twice. The 6-foot-7 big man, 26, hasn't impressed much during his two exhibition games, averaging 3.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks in 21.0 minutes per.
Another free agent signing, 6-foot-9 free agent/center Chris Boucher, theoretically could have been slotted in as the starter at the five spot — although Mazzulla opted to start him at the power forward spot against Toront
He scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field (2-of-5 from distance) and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe, grabbed nine rebounds, passed for two assists, blocked a shot and nabbed a steal in 23:15.
In two preseason games for Boston this year, the 32-year-old out of Oregon is averaging 15.0 points on .526/.273/.778 shooting splits, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks — an encouraging start for a guy who could be looking at the biggest role in his career this season.
JJ Redick Details What Was Missing in Lakers’ Team Chemistry Last Season
The Los Angeles Lakers lacked something last season despite finishing third in the Western Conference. The Lakers were sent packing in the first round of the playoffs by the
Speaking to reporters, including The Orange Country Register’s Khobe Price
“To me, the best teams, the best groups, the best organizations in any field, small interactions are so important. And how many small interactions can you have in a game? You should have thousands. ‘Good screen. Good job. Good pass. I got you next time.’ That’s what we’re starting to see from our group. We weren’t great with that last year. That’s part of our championship communication. That stuff is happening in real time, and we’re really happy with the progress (we’ve) made. Still got a ways to go, but it’s happening,”
The Lakers’ chemistry was affected by the Luka Doncic trade in February. With a full offseason to prepare, Redick is confident about what his team can do this season.
Luka Doncic’s Message To His Lakers’ Teammates
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be without LeBron James in the early parts of the regular season due to sciatica. James has been ruled out for at least three to four weeks as he recovers from the nerve pain injury that has affected him since late July or early August, as per
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Luka Doncic had a clear message to his teammates amid the absence of their legendary player. It’s all about stepping up for the team and the next man up mentality.
“It’s a big change. He’s a great player. He can help us a lot, but at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up. We got a group of guys (who) have been practicing, and hopefully, LeBron can join us as soon as possible. We are going to obviously need him. But our mentality has got to be next man up. That’s it,”
Lakers’ Projected Starting Lineup
Due to LeBron James’ injury, coach JJ Redick remains undecided on his starting lineup. Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves are the obvious starters, as per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
However, Jarred Vanderbilt has started in the first two preseason games. Vanderbilt has dealt with injuries in the past two seasons, but he entered training camp fully healthy. Even
Redick has four more preseason games to mix and match his starting lineups and rotations. They are scheduled to begin the regular season on October 21 at the Crypto.com Arena against the
