Celtics center benefiting from offseason blessing

Neemias Queta couldn't ask for a better way to prepare for the opportunity that's in front of him. Neither could the Boston Celtics.

The frontrunner to become their starting center is ramping up for that by going head-to-head with some of the best players at his position. Queta has faced three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. He has also squared off against Alperen Sengun and Kristaps Porzingis. That's all a product of Portugal being in Group A at EuroBasket.

Most recently, Queta matched up against Porzingis. Despite foul trouble, the former generated 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block in a loss to Latvia. After the game, the latter offered his perspective on the individual in line to replace him as the Celtics' starting center.

"What I can say is that Neemy has been getting better every year," said Porzingis. "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."

Neemias Queta's encouraging EuroBasket display

One of the most significant takeaways from seeing Queta at EuroBasket is the shape he's in. The seven-foot center is staying active at both ends of the floor, and he's running the floor in transition.

It is essential that the Lisbon, Portugal, native is in great condition and has the stamina to play that way when the NBA season arrives. As he shoulders a heavier workload than ever before in his career, that's the key to him not fatiguing deeper into games. The same applies to him holding up as a campaign that's nearing its tip-off unfolds.

It has also been nice to see how assertive Queta is playing at EuroBasket. He's aggressive, decisive, and quick to start his attack when he gets the ball in the low post.

While he may not get many opportunities with his back to the basket during the NBA season, he is demonstrating a soft touch around the rim. The four-year veteran made seven of his 11 two-point field-goal attempts against Latvia.

He went 11/15 from the field in Portugal's 62-50 win over Czechoslovakia. Queta registered 23 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in that game. He became the first player to have more than 20 points and 15 rebounds in their EuroBasket debut since 1995, per the tournament's official account on X.

There will be growing pains for Queta as he goes from fourth string to first. However, he's a quick learner. He can also showcase and continue developing skills that have gone under the radar. For instance, he's a better passer than one might realize, especially out of the low block.

With the Celtics wanting to play faster, he also fits an archetype that meshes with that intention. Having an athletic, shot-blocking seven-footer patrolling the pivot can ignite up-tempo attacks. He can also run the floor to take part in those opportunities.

Queta's rise up the depth chart is brought about by Boston spending the last two years over the second apron and now needing to reset to gain flexibility. Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear also incentivized Al Horford to look elsewhere to continue his career.

However, Queta now has a chance to establish himself as a valuable part of the Celtics' future. As training camp inches closer, his time at EuroBasket is invaluable to capitalizing on that opportunity.