Neemias Queta has been impressing in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament. The Boston Celtics big man is averaging 23.7 minutes, 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2 blocks over his four group games so far.
Queta recently went up against Kristaps Porzingis and the Latvian national team, where he impressed with his interior scoring and rim protection. When speaking to the media after the game, Porzingis praised Queta’s improvements, noting how he deserves a shot at being the starting center for the Celtics.
“Starter? Good question,” Porzingis said. “Who else is there? Honestly, I haven’t really thought about their roster…Neemy has been getting better every year. 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.”
Porzingis continued.
“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 will likely anchor the Celtics’ starting unit to begin the season. However, he will face competition from Luka Garza and Chris Boucher as he tries to make the role his own.
Celtics’ Al Horford Expected to Sign With Warriors
Al Horford hit the unrestricted free agent market at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. The Celtics champion is expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors. However, his patience is being tested as Mike Dunleavy Jr. deals with the Jonathan Kuminga standoff.
Nevertheless, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus still expects Horford to land in the Bay Area ahead of the new season.
“The Celtics have pivoted away from contending this season, with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury,” Pincus wrote. “Al Horford was a valued part of Boston’s championship run, but his time with the team appears to be over. Prediction: Horford signs with the Warriors on a two-year minimum deal (player option on the second season), paying $3.6 million for 2025-26.”
Horford will likely partner with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in Steve Kerr’s front court, as he chases another championship ring before calling time on his career.
Celtics Are A Re-Tooling Team
A primary reason why Queta is expected to be Boston’s starting center this season is due to the situation Boston currently finds itself in. After Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon injury, Brad Stevens pivoted away from the 2024 championship-winning roster and toward a retooling phase.
Stevens chose the change of direction due to a looming $500 million payroll. As such, Luke Kornet, Porzingis and Horford all left the Celtics this summer. That has left a significant gap in Boston’s front-court rotation, especially at center. Jrue Holiday was also traded.
Therefore, Queta, who was the fourth-string big last season, will now step into a much larger role. However, it will be up to him to prove he can handle the expanded responsibilities, especially as Stevens begins building the roster back up.
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