Banton and Queta assigned to G League

As of yesterday both players are now assigned to GLeague, may return later. Does this mean Brad is making room?

It most likely means that they need some playing time. Assigning them to the GLeague has no effect on the roster (aka: making room).

Celtics News: Boston Sends 2 Players To G League

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/celtics_news_boston_sends_2_players_to_g_league/s1_17201_39810178#:~:text=On%20Saturday%2C%20news%20broke%20that%20the%20Boston%20Celtics,in%20the%20NBA%20G%20League%20Next%20Up%20Game.

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Elie Deglaoui  |  Last updated 1/13/24




On Saturday, news broke that the Boston Celtics sent Dalano Banton and Neemias Queta to the Maine Celtics, their NBA G League affiliate. Banton and Queta have previously played in the G League with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, respectively. In 2023, Queta was selected to participate in the NBA G League Next Up Game. Additionally, he was also selected to the G League All-Defensive Team and the All-NBA G League First Team.



Dalano Banton

Banton signed a two-year deal with the Celtics during the offseason after a two-season stint in Toronto . On the season, Banton has played spotty minutes in 19 games as a role player, averaging 2.7 points per game. However, the Canada native started one game in November against the Atlanta Hawks. Banton played nearly 19 minutes in the win and recorded eight points, five rebounds, and one assist.



The biggest weakness of Banton’s game is his three-point shooting. This year, the six-foot-nine point guard is shooting 18.2% from deep. Though his 0.6 three-point attempts per game is a small sample size, this is not shocking news for the Celtics guard, a career 26.5% three-point shooter in the NBA. Banton’s lack of shooting made it more difficult for him to stay in the rotation. And even though they technically play different positions, Banton has played a similar role to Oshae Brissett, who has played well with Boston. It’s possible that moving Banton to the G League was done to free up another path for the Celtics to play Brissett more minutes.

Neemias Queta

It’s no news that Queta has turned some heads during his first season with the Celtics. Though he is signed to a two-way contract, there is optimism that he could become a constant contributor to the team. Next to Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, it would always be difficult for Queta to receive regular playing time. However, he seemed primed to overtake Luke Kornet as the team’s backup center. Kornet has played solid basketball this season and will probably remain the Celtics’ main backup center for now. Moving Queta to the G League seems to indicate the Celtics trust Kornet more than Queta in this role.



In 14 games this season, Queta is averaging 4.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. On Dec. 23, 2023, Queta played a season-high 23 minutes in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Since this game, however, the big man has only appeared in six of Boston’s 10 games.

The Last Word on the Celtics News

Banton and Queta may make their way back to the Celtics at some point again this season. The question is, though, what does this mean for the Celtics right now?
[My comment: Nothing.]

With the trade deadline less than a month away, news of Boston freeing up some space on the roster is interesting. [My comment: No space is freed up.  Banton has a guaranteed contract and Queta has a 2-way contract.  Nothing has changed regarding these facts.]

Of course, the timing could just be coincidental, however. It is also possible the team wants Banton and Queta to continue developing in Maine instead of just sitting on the bench.

The announcers talking yesterday made the comment that Queda had been with the team for most of their games, so his decision, other than wanting playing time, might have something to do with that.. I do not know the exact number of games a two way player can play, but he is already up there. As far as Banton is concerned, he definitely needs playing time. He had 27 points yesterday. They were both on the bench last night, but I expect to see both of them today in the afternoon Maine game

Thanks Bob for explaining that to me. You are right they both need playing time. Banton made the most of it yesterday, Queta's biggest problem is..he fouls alot. He is an active guy though and hope he can learn the game a little better. I am sitting here watching the story of the Celtics and Russell..........Last night I was thinking what it would be like to hear an announcer say "Here come The WORLD CHAMPION BOSTON CELTICS!! Don't ask me what made me think of it, but it gave me chills!!!! Maybe??????????????

Well, they almost blew this one after being up by 30 !!! Peterson looked pretty good, smooth shot. Davidson drives me nuts