The Boston Celtics are going to give Neemias Queta a chance to be their starting center after Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet left the franchise this offseason. The 26-year-old has never played more than 13.9 minutes per game, but he is eager to break out. Queta knows he finally has a shot to get consistent run and plans on making the most of it.
It is a transition year for the Celtics. They trimmed payroll this offseason and may make more cost-saving moves during the season with Jayson Tatum likely sidelined for the season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. Queta is not the only one in new role, but the former second-round draft pick is arguably making the biggest leap.
There is nothing stopping the seven-footer from becoming the starting center and playing 30 minutes every night. Boston added Luka Garza and Chris Boucher, but both are career backups who’ve struggled to get consistent run. Queta has shown flashes when head coach Joe Mazzulla has given him chances, and it is time to prove to the world he deserves significant nightly minutes.
Celtics are finally giving Neemias Queta a consistent role
Queta should be entering his prime, but minutes haven’t been easy to come by. He was buried on the Sacramento Kings depth chart for two years after being the 39th overall pick in 2021. The Kings had Domantas Sabonis and waived the big man in 2023. He wound up in Boston on a two-way contract before working his way into a standard deal. The Celtics were chasing championships with a deep frontcourt, but that has quickly became their biggest flaw.
In the 20 games where Queta has played 20-plus minutes in his four-year NBA career, he averages 8.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game on 61.4 percent shooting from the field and 76.3 percent on his free throws. Those are impressive considering the opportunities have come few and far between.
That won’t be the case now. The Celtics clearly believed in him, or they would have tried harder to land a difference-making big man. Chris Boucher struggled to get minutes on the Raptors last season, and Xavier Tillman was behind Queta in the Celtics’ pecking order. Luka Garza is a stretch big man who will get chances, but the 26-year-old’s experience with the franchise gives him the edge to begin the season as the starter.
Neemias Queta has waited years for this opportunity. It is finally his chance to prove that his G League domination is no fluke. Tatum’s injury made this possible, and Boston wants someone to cement themselves as a long-term piece. Queta would love nothing more.
The Boston Celtics are in for a difficult season. Their depth and top-end talent advantages are gone. The Celtics still want to cut more salary and may further deplete the roster before the deadline.
The lone bright spots will be players stepping up in a larger role. Neemias Queta has a shot to be the biggest success story, and there is no way he is missing this opportunity. His wish was finally granted. Expect Queta to show what he can really do in a starter’s role.