Celtics bring former Tyrese Haliburton teammate to Eastern Conference

During his time with the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was teammates with some great players. He ran alongside guys like De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, and others.

The Pacers traded Domantas Sabonis for Haliburton at the 2022 trade deadline, bringing him and Buddy Hield to the Eastern Conference. But now, one of his former Kings teammates will be joining him in the conference.

Boston Celtics sign former Tyrese Haliburton teammate Neemias Queta

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Boston Celtics have signed former King and Haliburton teammate Neemias Queta to a two-way contract. The big man will now be in the East.

The Kings released Queta a few days prior to the move, along with Nerlens Noel. They made the move in tandem with their signing of JaVale McGee, as their center rotation is now Sabonis, Alex Len, and McGee.

Queta spent just half a season with Haliburton in Sacramento before the latter got traded to the Pacers. During his time there, Haliburton once called Queta a “fan favorite.”

While he was never able to earn regular minutes in the Kings rotation, Queta was one of the best players in the G League, dominating during his time with the Stockton Kings.

Over the course of two G League seasons, Queta averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 66.7% from the field. This past season, he was the G League MVP runner-up.

In Boston, Queta won’t have a regular role in the rotation, but as a two-way player, he’ll have the chance to get minutes with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate.

That said, the 24-year-old seven-footer could have a chance to earn spot minutes with the Celtics this year. With Kristaps Porzingis, Robert Williams, and Al Horford leading the charge, there could be openings.

Porzingis and Williams are injury-prone, and Horford will be 37 years old for the entirety of next season. If the Celtics need spot minutes at the five, Luke Kornet and Queta will be next up.

The Pacers and Haliburton will take on the Celtics and Queta four different times during the upcoming season – November 1, January 6, January 8, and January 30.