3 Young players the Kings must develop, 2 to give up on
By Logan Struck
Don’t Develop: Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta, 24, is likely done in Sacramento. After the signing of veteran center Nerlens Noel, fans speculate that the Kings have found their Queta replacement.
The 7’0″, 245-pound big man is a physical specimen but has struggled to develop into an NBA-ready center. After spending the majority of his first two NBA seasons on the Stockton Kings, Queta is a restricted free agent. Before the Noel signing, Queta was expected to return to Sacramento, but now his future is in the air.
Neemias Queta had strong performances in the 2023 NBA Summer League before suffering a foot injury. Queta showed glimpses of being an elite shot blocker and impressive rebounder, but he will still likely find his way to a different team.
While Queta can still develop into an impactful backup big man, his development timeframe does not match the timeframe of the Kings, as they need big men who can come in and contribute. This reflects in the Noel signing, as they can not wait two or three years for Queta to be ready.
Neemias Queta could still earn a two-way contract, where he could continue to develop in the G League, but Sacramento might be better off heading in a different direction.