Derrick White is one of the most unique defenders in the NBA, and that’s reflected in his defensive stats in the paint. But the rim protection they’ve gotten from Neemias Queta this season is the much bigger revelation when it comes to the future of the franchise. Queta emerging as a potentially elite rim protector is absolutely incredible.
The Celtics still may need to add another center in the next two years, but Queta looks like he has the potential to be a legitimate starting center on a title team. He would be an elite backup, but he could be a starter on the next Celtics championship squad. That takes a ton of pressure off of Boston, regarding the desperation with which they need to search for another center once Jayson Tatum returns.
And his rim protection has been a huge part of that.
Neemias Queta has been everything for the Celtics
Todd Whitehead put out a graphic on social media depicting just how impressive Queta’s rim protection has been this season. When defenders attack Queta in the paint, he holds them to the seventh-lowest field goal percentage (49.7%).
That puts him ahead of known defenders like Ivica Zubac (49.8%), Draymond Green (50.7%), and Donovan Clingan (50.7%). He’s proven to be one of the best interior defenders in the league.
Lowest FG% allowed as the closest defender on opponent shots in the paint this season. pic.twitter.com/2sSqKZoSUr
— Todd Whitehead (@CrumpledJumper) December 23, 2025
Over the summer, Boston lost most of its big man rotation. They traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, Al Horford left for the Golden State Warriors in free agency, and Luke Kornet inked a deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
That left them with one guy—Queta. Prior to the 2025-26 campaign, Queta had only played spot minutes since joining the Celtics, and when he was on the Sacramento Kings, he didn’t earn many opportunities.
But this season, after never earning regular rotation minutes at any point in his career, the Celtics have entrusted him with the starting center role. And he’s thrived.
Obviously, the stats speak for themselves: He’s been a great rim protector. But he’s been so much more than that, too.
After struggling with illegal screens for the past couple of years, Queta has become an extremely reliable screener on the offensive end. His pick-and-roll game looks great.
He’s gotten very good at knowing when to slip, knowing when to roll, and knowing how long to hold his screens. As a result, he’s getting more lobs than ever, while also contributing to the offense in an off-the-ball capacity, screening for others who are involved in the action.
Queta’s emergence as a legitimately impactful starting center could mean big things for the future of the Celtics, and his defense has been the shining star.