Last summer, Joe Mazzulla told Neemias Queta he'd be the Boston Celtics' starting center when he arrived for training camp in the fall. He wanted him to have the offseason to prepare for that role.
Queta felt it was "crucial" to a year in which he went from being fourth on the depth chart to a top-10 center in the regular season.
The Lisbon, Portugal, native averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. He had the fourth-highest net rating [13.2] among those who played at least 60 games and logged 25 minutes or more, per NBA.com. He was fifth in win shares per 48 minutes. He finished in the top three in screen assists and field goal percentage.
Joe Mazzulla's new motivational message to Neemias Queta
Friday, the Celtics and Dunkin' unveiled a newly renovated outdoor basketball court at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
There, the 27-year-old center shared what his head coach has been telling him this offseason, as he works to build on his evolutionary campaign.
"Understand that this year was a really good year, but still just the beginning of the iceberg for me. Still feel very, very untapped in terms of potential," said Queta. "I want to be able to evolve in all aspects of my game. So, having that type of mindset from your head coach and the staff -- pouring into you -- it's only going to help you long term. And I'm really grateful."
How Celtics center Neemias Queta Is Expanding His Game
Entering his sixth year in the Association, the plan is to punish mismatches more.
He also wants to make more plays with the ball in his hands. He worked on that with Mazzulla when the latter visited him in Portugal this summer. That can include making plays when he gets it in the seam and showcasing an underrated aspect of his game: beating centers off the dribble from the perimeter.
Queta also hasn't shied away from the possibility of him taking more 3s this year. He launched eight in the 2025-26 campaign, including his first-career make from beyond the arc. Those new or improved layers are where to focus when identifying how he'll continue his ascent after his breakout season.
"You also want to improve on your not-so-great areas because those are the things that really can hurt you," expressed Queta. "But also being able to add different facets of your game over the years can only make you more versatile and be more impactful."
Now that he added a few new wrinkles, he feels better prepared to combat the next time a team throws new challenges at him.
How Celtics Coaches Are Elevating Neemias Queta
Entering his fourth year in Boston, Queta has worked closely with members of the coaching staff such as Nana Foulland, Da'Sean Butler, and DJ MacLeay.
They've helped the former Sacramento King turn the potential that comes with his size, athleticism, intellect, and work ethic into an individual who earned a four-year, $56 million contract extension this offseason.
Like Mazzulla constantly challenging Queta and pushing him to meet the moment in every situation, the coaching staff has helped him flourish.
"These guys [have] been pouring into my development over the years a lot. So, whether it's film, whether it's repetition, whether it's tough conversations," said Queta.
He's a shining example of the Celtics' elite player development program. It's an infrastructure that excels at finding new ways to develop players while working within a proven system. That attention to detail and ability to help individuals grow their games has Queta ready to turn last season's breakthrough into a stepping stone.
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