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Analysts dial up hype for Boston Celtics offseason big man signing during preseason win

By Andrew Hughes

Analysts dialed up the hype for one of the Boston Celtics free agent big man signings over the offseason during the C's preseason win in Philadelphia Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Analysts dialed up the hype for one of the Boston Celtics free agent big man signings over the offseason during the C's preseason win in Philadelphia Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Neemias Queta hype train has left the station following the third game of the Boston Celtics preseason slate; a 112-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers from the Wells Fargo Center on October 11. In seven minutes of floor time, Queta went 4/4 from the field and 2/2 from the free-throw line for 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists. He had the third-highest plus/minus on the Celtics behind Sam Hauser and Dalano Banton.

With the departure of Robert Williams III in the Jrue Holiday trade, there’s certainly an opening for Queta to play his way into the rotation despite owning a two-way contract. Boston has the means to ditch one of their non-guaranteed role players to open up a roster spot for Queta.

After the C’s second win of the preseason over the Sixers, they may just have to — with the hype dialed up to 11 following the small-sample show Queta put on in Philadelphia.

Analysts dial up the hype for Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta

Several notable names in the Boston Celtics community strongly endorsed the former Sacramento Kings fan favorite after his breakout game in green.

“Get Neemias Queta some minutes with the regulars in the next game,” Locked On Celtics’ John Karalis prefaced before saying, “Let’s see how he does with those guys and against opponent regulars.”

“Neemias Queta isn’t the same swat-it-out-of-the-sky rim protector as Rob Williams, but with his size and strength he’ll have opponents checking their healthcare plan before driving,” Heavy’s Steve Bulpett wrote. “A nice element to have on the roster. Red would have loved him.”

“Neemias Queta is running to the rim with FORCE tonight,” CelticsBlog’s Jack Simone prefaced before saying, “He’s going to be a VERY intriguing player in Maine this year. Could turn into a guy who lands a standard deal down the line if he develops well.”

“If Neemias Queta is going to play like this, the Celtics will have no choice but to convert his two-way deal into a standard contract,” said noted YouTube highlight-maker Tomek Kordylewski.

Can Queta convert the hype into a regular rotation role? That question has two preseason games left to find an answer.

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