Neemias Queta ruled out for remainder of NBA Summer League

Jul 12, 2023, 8:27 AM

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: Neemias Queta #88 of the Sacramento Kings gets a rebound ...

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

As the questions surrounding Neemias Queta’s future begin the swirl, the center has been ruled out for the remainder of the NBA Summer League due to a right foot injury.

Queta, who has spent the past two seasons on a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings, suffered the injury during Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers when he appeared to take a bad step during the first half.

The 23-year-old exited the game and did not return, as the Kings ran a series of tests that determined that Queta had suffered a right foot stress reaction and metatarsal capsule sprain.

Through two games in Las Vegas, Queta averaged 7.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 46 percent shooting from the field, including a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double during last Friday’s Summer League opener.

This summer is important for the seven-footer, as Queta is currently in the market for a new contract. Queta is a restricted free agent, meaning that Sacramento has the right to match any offer the center might sign on the free agent market.

After splitting time with the Kings and G-League affiliate Stockton, Queta could be waiting for an opportunity to ink a full NBA contract as we move into the quiet period of the NBA offseason.

While most of the main signings have taken place, Sacramento currently possesses two open roster spots and one two-way spot for the 2023-24 season. Now that Queta has played his last game of Summer League, it will be interesting to see if his next contract will come from the Kings.

NEEMY WITH THE CHASEDOWN BLOCK 😤@nemi1599 | #NBA2kSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/T9380c0Hjt

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 11, 2023

Queta, a second-year big out of Utah State, finished the season with averages of 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 68 percent from the field for a Stockton team that finished the season with a record of 25-7.

Among G-League leaders, Queta held top-five places in blocks (4th) and blocks per game (4th) en route to earning All-NBA G-League First Team and All-Defensive Team honors.

Sacramento could use a player with Queta’s skillset on its roster, especially when evaluating its defensive potential.

The Kings struggled to protect the rim and control the glass during its playoff run against the Golden State Warriors, and now that last a majority of last season’s team is set to return, maybe a full roster spot for Queta will be in the cards to add a player with shot-blocking potential.

As we move closer to the start of NBA training camps in September, a resolution on Queta’s future with Sacramento could happen anytime.

Sacramento Kings NBA 2K24 Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

Thursday, July 13th – Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 6:30 PM PST – NBA TV
Final game TBD based on performance in first four games