Category: NBA

Ramp to Camp: Who will emerge as Celtics' go-to big man this season? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 season with plenty of questions following painful roster changes this summer. But there’s one BIG question: Who will emerge as the go-to center in a largely overhauled big-man stable?

The trio of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis accounted for 4,200 total minutes of regular-season action last season. Take 48 minutes and multiply it by 82 games and you don’t even hit 4,000 total minutes. That’s a lot of big-man minutes to replace.

For Day 8 of our Ramp to Camp series, we asked our panel to pick the Celtics big man most likely to eat up the majority of those center minutes this season. 

Before the August addition of veteran big man Chris Boucher, the Celtics were incredibly green at the center spot. Neemias Queta (1,345 career minutes) and Luka Garza (973) might play more this season than the entirety of their NBA careers. Xavier Tillman has played sparingly since being acquired two seasons ago, but both he and offseason acquisition Josh Minott could be small-ball center options like Boucher, too.

Queta, already the lone rotation holdover, might have put himself in the driver’s seat for starter minutes with his strong play at EuroBasket. The 26-year-old big man has provided solid minutes over the past two seasons, most notably early in the 2024 title season where he made a case for his elevation to the parent roster.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla put Queta in some tough defensive spots last season, maybe with the goal of expediting his development. And now it might be time to take off the training wheels.

Queta is an imposing presence around the basket and looks far more comfortable on the defensive end compared to when he first arrived in Boston. Garza has obvious offensive talents, but has to show he can hold up on the defensive side to earn Mazzulla’s trust. 

Boucher is an interesting addition. He’ll turn 33 during the season, and on a one-year minimum contract, he doesn’t exactly figure into the long-term future of this team. The Celtics would probably prefer to use minutes this season to develop players that might comprise core pieces of a future title contender. And yet Boucher’s veteran steadiness and ability to help nurture a younger stable makes him quite vital to however this year plays out.

The one thing we know for sure at the center spot: Boucher is going to play hard. Remember a couple seasons ago when he bumped Mazzulla during a timeout on the court? Robert Williams III’s bearhug of Mazzulla was the only thing that prevented any further escalation. But coach and player are kind of perfect for each other.

“Boucher bumps him. Watch this. Watch Coach Mazzulla, he’s going after Boucher. Gotta be held back by Rob Williams.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/hVuIvHNmLH

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 6, 2023

Still, the Celtics have to find the right balance between allowing Boucher to bring some veteran poise to that position and giving Queta, Garza, and the small-ball bigs a chance to develop. If Boucher leads the team in center minutes, it’s only a good sign if the Celtics dramatically outkick expectations and elect to lean on his experience. 

The bigger question here might be whether the center of the future is currently on Boston’s roster. If you’re leery of this center depth chart, we get it. But also remember that few thought Luke Kornet would evolve into an eight-figure center when he arrived.

The Celtics have rarely splurged at the center spot outside of the Porzingis acquisition. Having Horford there with an ability to play in double-big lineups or shuffle him to center was an insane luxury that the team will dearly miss. 

But now it’s on younger players like Queta to show they are ready to shoulder the minutes load.

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Neemias Queta.

Am I overreacting to Queta racking up 23 points and 18 rebounds against lowly Czechia in EuroBasket action? Potentially. But the Portuguese big man has improved every year since arriving in Boston, and he has a golden opportunity to take another leap this season.

Chris Boucher might be the more polished player, but Queta has more upside. Let him work toward realizing it.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I know that Chris Boucher is the only option who’s actually played 20-plus minutes a night for full seasons in the NBA, but I bet it’s Neemias Queta.

He has two years of experience working with the Celtics. They’re invested in each other. He took some positive steps last season, so there’s reason to believe that can keep advancing.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

Neemias Queta.

The lone holdover of the aforementioned group, Queta started just six of the 62 games he played last season because of the depth in front of him. But the 26-year-old fared fine in those six starts and narrowly missed a double-double in three of them.

If Queta can continue to build confidence from long range like he has in FIBA EuroBasket tournament this summer, Joe Mazzulla surely will appreciate it.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Neemias Queta.

We have all enjoyed the flashes from Queta when called upon. Will he struggle in certain matchups? Absolutely. But he’s the best chance they have.

I think with a bigger workload he will have some eye-popping games and it should be fun to watch him continue to develop.

Jim Aberdale, Supervising Producer, Celtics

I’m guessing most will go Neemias Queta, but I’m taking Chris Boucher.

I like the fact he’s an eight-year veteran and has been on a couple championship teams. As the question mentions, someone has to play the 1,500 minutes and I think Joe Mazzulla leans on Boucher the most.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

Neemias Queta has the institutional knowledge that comes from already playing two seasons under Joe Mazzulla and is coming off a breakout EuroBasket performance for Portugal.

The center job is Neemy’s to lose.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

Neemias Queta coming off a strong EuroBasket run will be the first choice. The Celtics could use his offensive rebounding and overall activity for some needed second-chance points.

That being said, I could see several minutes of small-ball five lineups.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Chris Boucher emerges as a true threat alongside Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. People will be very excited for him to play with Jayson Tatum, Ray. People will most definitely be excited.

Warriors star Steph Curry reveals motivation behind his new ‘Shot Ready' book originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry is doing some reflecting as he heads into his 17th NBA season.

The Golden State Warriors star released a new book, titled “Shot Ready,” on Tuesday. The book features more than 100 photographs from his basketball journey as he dives into his philosophy for success.

Curry said he got the idea for the book when he was looking through old pictures with a couple of photographers. While he said it was great to relive some of the biggest moments throughout his career, it also inspired him to share his championship mindset.

“When I looked through, there were so many memories, lessons, philosophies, things that have helped me get through,” Curry said Wednesday during a “TODAY” interview with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin. “Not only to inspire myself to keep going, because I still have a lot more to accomplish on the court, but to kind of go through and highlight some of the things that I’ve learned.”

Curry’s “shot ready” mindset is clear on the court, as his 4,058 career 3-pointers are far and away the most in NBA history. Beyond basketball, he believes it’s an attitude that extends to all walks of life.

“Only worrying about the process and not the result is what being ‘shot ready’ is,” Curry said. “You know, 10 fingers, 10 toes to the basket, but that’s a philosophy that’s not just basketball.”

Curry didn’t secure his four NBA championships, two NBA MVPs, 11 All-Star selections and a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team alone. The father of four credits his wife, Ayesha, and the rest of his family for believing in him when others overlooked him.

“You’ve got to have people around you that see the best in you, as well, and I’ve had those people in my life, and that’s something I get to share throughout the book,” Curry said.

Steph and Ayesha are keeping themselves plenty busy while raising their children. On top of Steph’s “TODAY” interview, Ayesha co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager on “Jenna & Friends.”

Still, the couple puts family first while excelling in their respective fields.

“It’s a tough balancing act,” Curry said. “I don’t even know if ‘balance’ is a real, accomplishable thing, but we’re excited. We’re in love. We’re enjoying it.”

When asked about what he plans to do when he finally retires, Curry promised he won’t leave the game. Whether it’s coaching or another role, he says he will find a place in basketball after he is done playing.

“I see what these coaches go through in the league, so I understand how hard the job is,” Curry said. “For me though, it’s about figuring a way to have an influence in the game, to give back to it the way that so many people have poured into me. Whether that’s a skill development thing, a consultant thing, I don’t know what it is, but I know I’m going to be a part of the game where anybody can reach out to me.”

Before Curry jumps into his future plans, he still has scores to settle on the court. The future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is gearing up to enter his 17th NBA season, and he will tip it off when the Warriors visit LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in the return of NBA on NBC on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

“Year 17 sounds insane,” Curry said. “I’m hyped for it.”

Steph Curry dives into his new book and his ‘Shot Ready' mindset originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry is doing some reflecting as he heads into his 17th NBA season.

The Golden State Warriors star released a new book, titled “Shot Ready,” on Tuesday. The book features more than 100 photographs from his basketball journey as he dives into his philosophy for success.

Curry said he got the idea for the book when he was looking through old pictures with a couple of photographers. While he said it was great to relive some of the biggest moments throughout his career, it also inspired him to share his championship mindset.

“When I looked through, there were so many memories, lessons, philosophies, things that have helped me get through,” Curry said Wednesday during a “TODAY” interview with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin. “Not only to inspire myself to keep going, because I still have a lot more to accomplish on the court, but to kind of go through and highlight some of the things that I’ve learned.”

Curry’s “shot ready” mindset is clear on the court, as his 4,058 career 3-pointers are far and away the most in NBA history. Beyond basketball, he believes it’s an attitude that extends to all walks of life.

“Only worrying about the process and not the result is what being ‘shot ready’ is,” he said. “You know, 10 fingers, 10 toes to the basket, but that’s a philosophy that’s not just basketball.”

Curry didn’t get his four NBA championships, two NBA MVPs, 11 All-Star selections and place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team alone. The father of four credits his wife, Ayesha, and the rest of his family for believing in him when others overlooked him.

“You’ve got to have people around you that see the best in you, as well, and I’ve had those people in my life, and that’s something I get to share throughout the book,” he said.

Steph and Ayesha are keeping plenty busy while raising their children. On top of Steph’s “TODAY” interview, Ayesha got to co-host with Jenna Bush Hager on “Jenna & Friends.”

Still, the couple is able to put family first while excelling in their respective fields.

“It’s a tough balancing act,” he said. “I don’t even know if ‘balance’ is a real, accomplishable thing, but we’re excited. We’re in love. We’re enjoying it.”

When asked about what he plans to do when he finally retires, Curry promised he won’t leave the game. Whether it’s coaching or another role, he says he will find a place in basketball after he is done playing.

“I see what these coaches go through in the league, so I understand how hard the job is. For me though, it’s about figuring a way to have an influence in the game, to give back to it the way that so many people have poured into me. Whether that’s a skill development thing, a consultant thing, I don’t know what it is, but I know I’m going to be a part of the game where anybody can reach out to me.”

Before Curry jumps into his future plans, he still has scores to settle on the court. The future Basketball Hall of Famer is gearing up to enter his 17th season, and he will kick it off when the Warriors visit LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in the return of NBA on NBC on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

“Year 17 sounds insane,” he said. “I’m hyped for it.”

Why Warriors star Draymond Green doesn't mind hate he gets from other NBA fans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green never has shied away from the villain’s role.

The Warriors forward joined streamer Kai Cenat on Tuesday, and he gave a very Green-esque response when asked how he deals with the hate he receives.

“I’d rather be hated,” Green said. “If you’re not going to love me, I’d rather be hated. You know why? Because at least you have an opinion about me. If I just sit in the middle, I don’t move the needle either way. So… with me, you either love me or you hate me. If you hate me, like, that’s your business because you really don’t know me.

“So, if you’re going to spend your time, waste your time, the energy that it takes to hate a human being, or anything. The energy that it takes you to spend. If you’re going to hate me and you don’t know me, then your life’s what?”

The four-time All-Star is commonly voted among the most disliked players in the NBA, but it’s incredibly evident that it doesn’t bother the 35-year-old.

“Why would I care that she hates me or he hates me,” Green said. “That s–t ain’t going to pay a bill, it ain’t going to take away from a bill. … People also hate those that win because most people lose.”

The four-time NBA champion certainly has done a lot of that during his 13-year career, and that alone could be reason enough for people to dislike Green.

With that said, it’s pretty clear that Green is unfazed.

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Warriors star Draymond Green reveals toughest defensive assignment of NBA career originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It’s no secret Warriors forward Draymond Green takes pride in his defense.

The nine-time All-Defensive player and 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year has owned his reputation as one of the best on the floor at covering all five positions during his historic NBA career.

On Thursday, Green joined streamer Kai Cenat and spoke about what players have been the toughest to guard over the course of his career.

“The hardest player I had to guard in my career is KD,” Green said, speaking of Kevin Durant. “KD in OKC. After that, I figured him out, right. Slim can’t score on me no more – nah, he going to score on everybody, but I got better and learned more about his game. But, in OKC and just coming into the league and figuring — oh my God. No chance.”

Durant, who’s eighth all-time in NBA scoring with 30,571 points, hasn’t been figured out by anyone, so it’s no surprise Green gave him his flowers.

The topic then shifted to who currently gives the 35-year-old forward fits.

“The hardest now is Joker,” Green said of Nikola Jokic. “I play with Steph so I don’t have that headache. Joker — Luka [Doncic] will always be one of the toughest covers, but that ain’t my matchup. Of my matchups, the hardest to guard right now is Joker.”

The four-time NBA All-Star didn’t stop there, however. While he didn’t name another player, he did mention one anonymous big man in the Western Conference.

“There’s one that’s really tough. … I’m not saying it,” Green told Cenat, who pushed for him to say the name. “I don’t want to give him that edge. He probably don’t believe he has that edge, so I can’t give him that edge.”

We might never know who the mystery player is, but they must be a good enough talent if they’re able to get Green to almost mention them.

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Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas conclusions won't impact Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga saga originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After collectively whistling into the wind for more than two months, the four most notable restricted free agents in the NBA are starting to splinter. Two have taken themselves off a market offering nothing, and neither was Jonathan Kuminga.

The stalemate between Kuminga and the Warriors remains precisely that, but they are steadily creeping toward resolution if only because every minute brings them closer to an Oct. 1 deadline.

The initial reaction to Cam Thomas returning to the Brooklyn Nets and Josh Giddey re-signing with the Chicago Bulls is to ponder whether that impacts the Warriors and Kuminga. The answer is, um, complicated.

Let’s begin with Thomas, who last week swallowed hard and accepted Brooklyn’s $5.99 million qualifying offer. With no market for his services, he reportedly had three options, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. One, stay with the rebuilding Nets for one year at $9.5 million plus incentives that could bring him to about $20 million. Two, re-sign for two years at $30 million, with a team option in Year 2. Three, sign the one-year qualifying offer, the only option that gives him a right to veto any trade and puts him on the market next summer, when the market projects to be more lucrative.

The market for Kuminga was slightly warmer, but not enough to force a move by the Warriors. He entered September facing two options. One, accept Golden State’s qualifying offer of $7.99 million. Two, sign a two-year contract at $45 million, with a team option in Year 2. He has shown no interest in that.

Kuminga has shown more interest in the qualifying offer – which gives him trade veto power and puts him on the market next summer – than the two-year deal preferred by Golden State that pays more but diminishes his leverage.

A third option could be looming, but the Warriors’ payroll has much less latitude than that of the Nets.

The Giddey contract, re-signing with rebuilding Chicago for four years at a reported $100 million, was almost a formality. The Bulls sweetened their initial offer (four years, $88 million), and Giddey’s representatives compromised on their pursuit of something in the $110-120 million range.

One clear and significant distinction between Kuminga-Warriors and Giddey-Bulls is that only the latter involves parties with mutual desire. Giddey and the Bulls envision a future together. Kuminga and the Warriors do not share the same dream.

Another difference is that the Bulls, mediocre in the inferior Eastern Conference, are building for years ahead. Giddey has been a starter since his rookie season with Oklahoma City and was a 30-minutes-a-night starter in his first season in Chicago. He is part of a core they hope can thrive in two or three years.

The Warriors, by contrast, are operating with urgency. With a veteran core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green – average age 36.5 years – they’re not looking beyond the next two seasons.

It’s conceivable, even likely, Kuminga stays with the Warriors – just as it seems likely that Quentin Grimes, the fourth RFA, stays with the Philadelphia 76ers. The difference there is, again, there is mutual interest between both parties, according to league sources. Philly reportedly is seeking to shed salary elsewhere to re-sign Grimes.

Aside from RFA status, Kuminga does not share a lot of parallels with Thomas, Giddy or Grimes. The Warriors will not offer JK the kind of contract the Bulls gave Giddey, and they have no plan to dump salary to retain Kuminga, as is the goal of the 76ers.

Kuminga signing the qualifying offer remains the anticipated outcome. The deadline to do so is Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Al Horford and the rest of the veterans in Golden State’s waiting room are quietly pleading for clarity.

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Ramp to Camp: Which two-way player will help Celtics the most? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics completely overhauled their two-way trio this offseason. So which one of the three new faces is most likely to make a tangible impact with the parent club during the 2025-26 season?

That’s the question we put to our panel for Part 7 of our Ramp to Camp series after the Celtics brought in the rookie troika of Amari Williams, Max Shulga, and RJ Luis Jr. (undrafted) to fill the team’s three two-way slots.

Williams (46th pick) and Shulga (57th) were draft-night additions, while Luis Jr. was acquired from Utah in a trade that sent out Georges Niang (and also forced the team to cut bait with Miles Norris, one of last season’s two-way pickups). 

The 6-foot-11 Williams feels like the obvious answer here. The Celtics have multiple holes to fill up front and must utilize every bit of size they have. The player who might see the biggest spike in minutes on the parent roster is Neemias Queta, a former two-way signing who took advantage of call-ups early in his Boston tenure before before signed to the main roster. 

Williams showed some obvious talents at Summer League, including excellent passing skills on the offensive end and shot-blocking prowess on the defensive side. His ability to improve as a finisher might determine just how much time he ultimately carves out in Boston.

The pathway to playing time for Shulga and Luis Jr. seems a bit more complicated. While both have intriguing elements to their game, the reality is that Boston remains well-stocked at the guard spot, while there’s a glut of young wings vying for time at perimeter spots. 

Still, given all the roster changes, it feels like there is far more opportunity than usual for two-way players. This year’s batch of two-way players can confidently come to camp knowing that they have just as much of a chance of making an impression as some of the other newcomers joining the parent roster.

It’s up to the two-way gang to make the most of that time. The Celtics haven’t been bashful in turning over two-way spots. After drafting Gonzaga forward Anton Watson 54th overall in 2024, the Celtics waived him in March. They picked up Norris, only to waive him in the aftermath of the Luis Jr. acquisition.

Queta and Sam Hauser, who both should play big roles for the Celtics this season, are proof that there is a pathway to a much bigger role after starting on two-way deals with Boston.

So who does our panel like to make an impact from the two-way slot this year?

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Amari Williams.

The Celtics desperately need big-man help, and Williams at least should get an opportunity to prove he’s a valuable depth option. He’s an excellent passer for his size, which could pique Joe Mazzulla’s interest early in the season.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

You’ve come to the right place. Nobody has studied the careers of Max Shulga, RJ Luis Jr., or Amari Williams more than I have. Did you know Amari Williams is British? That’s pretty cool.

I’ll answer with Max Shulga, because anyone who hits 3s has the chance to catch Joe Mazzulla’s eye.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

Amari Williams.

I think the path to minutes is easier for Williams given Boston’s uncertain frontcourt. The Celtics have bodies competing for those minutes, of course, but there’s no surefire starter at this point. Could Williams make a case for time with a strong camp and preseason?

On the other hand, rookie guard Max Shulga and rookie wing RJ Luis Jr. are further down the depth chart at their respective positions.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Amari Williams.

The biggest area of concern for the Celtics this season is their frontcourt, so Williams should get his opportunities. I liked what I saw at Kentucky and think his game can translate to the NBA.

It might not happen right away, but I think by the end of the season, he’ll be a player we can pencil in for a permanent role going forward.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

Amari Williams plays a position of need and is a sneaky good passer for a big. He also has the most upside of any of the bigs on the roster, so the C’s should prioritize his development.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

In the short run, I could potentially see Max Shulga earning a shot with his ability to play point guard and his shooting ability.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

I feel like it has to be Amari Williams simply because the Celtics are thin up front. Luis Jr. interests me, though.

Jim Aberdale, Supervising Producer, Celtics

My first instinct is to respond “none of the above” but after pounding a gallon of Green Kool Aid, I’ll go Amari Williams.

Here we have a 7-footer who was the best passing big in college basketball last year. Mike Zarren says he has “incredible vision.” I’m envisioning no-look Bill Walton passes circa 1986. Let’s go.

Despite rumors of the Knicks offering a contract to Ben Simmons this offseason, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reports that no formal offer has been made to the 29-year-old free agent.

While Begley confirms that New York has certainly had interest in Simmons and has had dialogue with him over the course of the offseason, details of a contract extended by the Knicks and rejected by Simmons are false.

New York has one roster spot remaining and a few options to fill it, including Simmons. Other players on the Knicks radar are Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, per Begley.

Shamet spent last season in New York after signing a one-year deal while Brogdon played in 24 games for the Washington Wizards after dealing with multiple injuries.

Meanwhile, Simmons split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers last season after a contract buyout ended his three-year stint in Brooklyn.