The Sacramento Kings have re-signed Neemias Queta to a standard contract, elevating him from his previous status as a player on Two-Way contract. The news was first reported by James Ham, with the team’s official announcement coming not long after.
From the Kings:
In his first two seasons, Queta appeared in 20 games for Sacramento. He played in 43 regular season games during the 2022-23 season for the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, averaging 17.7 points (68.5 FG%), 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Last season, Queta led the G League in field goal percentage and ranked fourth in blocks per game on his way to earning All-NBA G League and All-Defensive G League honors. He also finished as the runner up for the NBA G League Most Valuable Player award.
Queta was originally selected by the Kings with the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Utah State.
This is an interesting signing for the Kings, as it seemed like Queta might be out of the picture. The Kings re-signed Alex Len this offseason, and signed Nerlens Noel to a partially guaranteed deal as well. There were rumors and reports of Queta drawing interest from overseas teams, and the Portland Trail Blazers were also reportedly interested.
The Kings have a full backcourt rotation right now. Domantas Sabonis is obviously the starter and will soak up the majority of minutes. That doesn’t leave a lot of opportunity at backup center between Len, Noel, and Queta, especially since Trey Lyles will likely see time as a small ball center at times.
It’s not unreasonable to suspect Queta’s deal will be only partially guaranteed, similar to Noel’s. This may be an opportunity for Queta to earn his roster spot in training camp. Keep in mind that while this signing moves the Kings to 15 signed players, teams can carry more players into training camp so additional free agent deals are still possible.
I don’t know if Neemias can win the battle and earn himself a roster spot, but I’m happy he’s getting the opportunity. He’s a likable player, and clearly has remarkable size and talent. He’s simply been too raw up to this point to warrant regular NBA minutes, especially for a team like Sacramento. I’d love nothing more than to see Queta turn a corner and cement himself as yet another weapon off the bench for the Kings.
I have no qualms with this.
Queta and Noel will be competing for a spot. I hope Queta earns it.
They might both make it.
I hope not. They are redundant.
Nice guy, rooting for him.
Not sure he’s a rotational NBA player, though.
Not any back up bigs that fit now so they do something with Queta. Something had to happen with his contract so they saved him for last.
Maybe they have a backup for Sabonis now but it isn’t Queta.
I don’t think it is likely he makes it out of camp.
They either let him go or give him one last chance at the actual NBA team. This is his last chance here.
…..also good to see the team releasing information through a local media source instead of Woj.
Unless this is a very loosely guaranteed deal that is basically just a camp invite, then I don’t get it. The Kings now have 3 paint oriented centers behind Sabonis and jus 2 PGs on the roster.
I will say this, Monte seems to have an affinity for traditional centers. In his first year he bought in Whiteside and Jones to backup Holmes. The year after he brought in Len and Queta, TT, while retaining Jones to backup Holmes before trading for Sabonis. Last year the Kings entered camp with 4 centers in Sabonis, Len, Holmes and Queta. Now once again there are 4 centers on the roster. Might as well give Giles an invite at this point.
I’ve been out of touch the fast few weeks while traveling but am shocked to see so many other NBA players not signed. Just a quick list: Wood, PJ Washington, Oubre, Derrick Jones Jr., TJ Warren (he may be washed), Biyombo, and former King Terrance Davis. A few of those guys are legit starters and not on a team yet. Are teams waiting for the Lillard shoe to drop or something?
Also, where is it reported that Noel is signed to a partially guaranteed deal? I thought he signed a 1 year vet-minimum deal.
Jman made a note a while back that Noel’s contract it only partially guaranteed:
Nerlens Noel’s 1-year $3.1M deal with SAC is currently only GTD for $300K, which bumps up to $600K if still on the roster on opening night. The remainder becomes Fully GTD on Jan 10.
— Anil Gogna (@AnilGognaNBA) July 22, 2023
Ahhh, that’s awesome! I’d imagine Queta’s deal is similar. It makes for some healthy competition in camp. It also allows for roster spots opening up on the cheap if need be.
Per the Bee’s Jason Anderson:
“…HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Thursday that Queta received a two-year, $4.2 million deal, but the first year is only partially guaranteed and the second year is non-guaranteed.”
Noel and Queta are easily left behind if the Kings find something better.
I really like PJ Washington. Young plays defense and can play center.
Hot Days make the Hot Takes hotter:
As Mason Plumlee is unavailable, next on my wish list as Sabonis Saver/Domas Duplicator -how about fellow Zag alumnus, he of the 3 Y – Kelly Olynyk. (don’t reply why why why!, that would be whiney)
He’s a saavy competitor who is a jack of all trades, master of none and at 6’10” he’s a big bit of chaos (in a good way).
With the influx of front court players, including draft picks, John Collins, etc. he is less needed in SLC. He carries a $12.2 expiring contract.
The Kings have a payroll of just under $150M unless you wipe off the $5M that is included with both Neemias and Nerlans on the numbers, then it’s around $144M. The cap is $136M and the Luxury cap is $165M.
It’s a gamble – you have Olynyk and a $156M payroll and you don’t have much to work with if a deal you want shows up along trade deadline time. On the other hand – Olynyk is a bona fide back up at the 5 (that is different than Alex Len) he can play with Domas at times, he can play with Trey Lyles at times (though he will eat into Lyles playing time).
Olynyk would be a good backup, and a nice contrast to what Sabobis does in regard to stretching the floor a bit. I’ve always found him very irritating when he plays against the Kings, but that would probably fade if he was doing his thing in Sacramento.
And I don’t think it ties McNair’s hands at the deadline. Olynyk’s contract is expiring, which is always a nice chip. There’s still a ton of flexibility with the roster if the right opportunity presents itself.
Gone are the days of hyping second round draft picks on this board I guess. The days of Skal Labissière being the next great thing are done. One playoff season and now we either don’t care or look at the player as worthy of a roster spot.
I actually am higher on Neemias than I was on any of the previous season second rounders, sans IT. He’s a big that can defend the rim, rebound, pass, and rim run. He’s not a stretch 5 but the idea that we’ll get a bench depth center that can rebound, protect the rim, pass, and stretch the floor is nil. I like Neemias. I think he’s already better than Noel and can still improve. I hope he makes the roster.
Wrong. I still believe Skal is the next great thing …
Keep hope alive
Don’t look now but here he comes again.
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