Kings sign former second-round pick

The Kings are signing Neemias Queta to a standard contract, James Ham tweets.

Queta has been on Sacramento’s roster for the past two seasons, appearing in a total of 20 NBA games. The 7-foot Queta was a second-round pick in 2021 out of Utah State.

Queta entered the summer as a restricted free agent after finishing last season on a two-way deal. He was eligible for another two-way contract but ineligible for a two-way qualifying offer after having played on a two-way with the Kings for consecutive seasons. However, Sacramento has decided to give him a more desirable standard deal.

His health is a question mark. He was diagnosed with a stress reaction and a metatarsal capsule sprain in his right foot last month. Queta’s injury occurred during a Summer League game against the Clippers.

Queta only appeared in five NBA games for Sacramento last season, but thrived at the G League level, earning a spot on the All-NBAGL First Team and finishing second in MVP voting. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game across 29 regular season appearances for the Stockton Kings.

Prior to the agreement with Queta, Sacramento had 13 players on guaranteed deals and another—Nerlens Noel—on a partially guaranteed contract.