After losing Luke Kornet and (potentially) Al Horford to free agency, while also trading away Kristaps Porzingis, Neemias Queta is expected to become the Boston Celtics‘ starting center next season.
Queta will be entering his third season with the Celtics. He started off on a two-way contract and has earned himself a full-scale deal with the franchise. During a recent episode of the “White Noise” podcast, Celtics guard Derrick White shared his thoughts on Queta receiving an expanded role.
“I think Joe has always been super hard on him for the last couple of years to prepare him for something like this,” White said. “Obviously, he’s going to have to have a big year, and we’re going to ask a lot out of him, which is exciting… He’s a guy who works hard, competes at a high level, and is just continuing to learn what works and what doesn’t in the NBA.”
White continued.
“We’re super excited for Neemias… I’m a big fan; he’s had so many different moments in these last two years. He’s helped us win games, or he’s changed the momentum of a game. It’s a big role for him.”
Queta will face a tough task in securing himself as the Celtics’ starting big man. He must show improvements in finishing around the rim, guarding in space, and resisting the urge to bite on pump fakes.
Porzingis Backs Queta to Shine For Celtics
Recently, Porzingis and Queta went toe-to-toe at the FIBA EuroBasket tournament. When speaking to the media after the game, Porzingis threw his support behind Queta ahead of the new season.
“Neemy has been getting better every year,” Porzingis said. “Coach Mazzulla has been pretty tough on him, and I believe he’s getting to a point where he deserves some real minutes, real rotation minutes. He’s been putting in the work, and you can see it in how he’s playing now in this tournament. I’m happy for Neemy. He’s a great dude, really cool person. He puts in the time, he puts in the work, and I’ll be glad to see him get a lot more minutes this year.”
Queta played in 62 games last season, averaging 13.9 minutes per contest while dropping five points and grabbing 3.8 rebounds. He converted his two-point shots at a 66% clip.
Queta Is Impressing In EuroBasket
Queta has played a key role for Portugal during the group stage of EuroBasket, helping his national team qualify for the knockout stages. He has stepped into a leading offensive role for Portugal while also showcasing his timing and explosivness on the defensive end.
In five games, Queta is averaging 18.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per outing. Celtics fans will be hoping some of that production can translate over to an NBA court. After all, he may not be facing NBA-level competition, but he has shone when facing other NBA talent during the tournament.
Boston’s starting center position will likely be Queta’s to lose. He will face competition from Luka Garza, Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman. However, if he can produce at, or close to the level we’ve seen from him this summer, he should make that spot his own.
Nevertheless, Brad Stevens could look to upgrade the roster closer to the trade deadline. For now, though, Queta has the biggest opportunity of his career. And, multiple talents are already throwing their support behind him.
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