3 best free agent big men available for the Golden State Warriors

2. Neemias Queta

With all the veteran big men previously listed, including Biyombo, there’s a sense of assurity with what you’re going to get. With that assurance comes a low ceiling at this point of their careers, something that can’t be said for energetic young big man Neemias Queta.

Queta is largely unproven at the NBA level — he’s appeared in just 20 total games while on a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings over the past two seasons. Yet there’s certainly potential there, one that may be worth taking a risk on rather than opting for a ‘safe’ veteran.

The seven-footer has proved himself far too good for the G League level over his first two seasons, having originally been taken with pick 39 by the Kings in the second-round of the 2021 NBA Draft. With averages of 16.8 points (shooting 68.5%), 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 blocks, Queta was named to both the ALL-NBA G League first team and All-Defensive team in 2023.

The Portuguese native has the athleticism to be a lob threat and efficient finisher around the rim, and a devastating shot-blocking presence on the other end. Most recently he played for the Kings during Summer League, averaging 8.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 blocks across four games.

Does Queta have the requisite skill and feel to fit into the Warrior system as Dunleavy describes? Maybe not but one has to question who does when we’re talking about minimum-level players. Perhaps trying to develop both he and Trayce Jackson-Davis would be overkill, but Queta is certainly the more proven prospect at this point. There’s certainly potential they could mould him into an effective NBA player given the franchise’s likelihood in delving more into pick-and-roll action with Paul on the squad.