Celtics' Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta signings could form NBA's most underrated center duo

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Celtics' Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta signings could form NBA's most underrated center duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the biggest needs the Boston Celtics wanted to address this offseason was getting a quality big man, which they did when they signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year deal.

And now, they’ve solidified their depth at center by signing Neemias Queta to a four-year, $56 million extension. With these two signings, the Celtics might have one of the most underrated big man platoons in the NBA.

Queta could break out, again​

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Queta already broke out once as the starting center for Bost last season. He doubled his points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per game, averaging 10.2, 8.4, 1.7, 0.8, and 1.3 over 25.3 minutes per game.

Now with Jaylen Brown gone, and Jayson Tatum back full-time, Queta could break out once again. This time, he’ll be counted on to score more, as Tatum is a much better facilitator than Brown, and loves to swing the rock to his teammates.

Combine that with the fact he will be getting much more responsibility this upcoming season, Queta could honestly average a double-double and a couple blocks per game.

Can’t count Robinson out, either​

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Imagn Images


While Robinson isn’t quite the scorer Queta is, he is an amazing shot blocker and offensive rebounder. Robinson is capable of averaging more than two blocks per game, as long as he stays healthy and gets some better minutes. He’s also quick on his feet, able to close out on defenders to prevent them from scoring an easy bucket.

His offensive rebounding is also elite, as already mentioned. Just this past season, he averaged 4.2 ORPG, which was the second-most in the NBA. This allows the Celtics to chuck threes with more confidence, as Robinson could man the middle, grab the board, and kick out for another shot.

It also will give Robinson many more opportunities to score on the inside, as defenders will have to run to the arc to cover shooters.

The two bigs are very cost-effective​

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© Lucas Boland-Imagn Images



Overall, signing these too was very cost-effective. Over four years, the C’s will only be investing $100.4 million into the pair. For the production they will bring, it’s definitely a worthwhile deal.

And when Paul George’s hefty contract runs out the season after next, they will have plenty of room to sign some other stars.

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