We’re inching closer and closer to training camp and the start of the NBA preseason, and not a moment too soon, but first, there’s still one more chance for a few of the Celtics to play some meaningful basketball. And that, of course, is during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to start on Thursday, August 27th.
Three Celtics will be partaking in the European Qualifiers as Neemias Queta will represent Portugal, Hugo Gonzalez will represent Spain, and Luka Garza will represent Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These are obviously just qualifiers, but these are huge games for each of these countries, and the three Celtics are each massive parts of their respective teams. The stakes are real, the level of competition is high, and while the talent level isn’t quite the NBA, it’s certainly nothing to scoff at.
All three players have a real chance to get meaningful reps and shine in a larger role than they’re likely to have in Boston any time soon. It’s an opportunity to work on their games and showcase some skills that won’t be on display quite as often in the NBA.
Neemias Queta and Luka Garza primed for big FIBA workloads
Still, these are three important players for the Celtics and three guys who are expected to have big roles this season. Queta broke out last year as a plus starting center in his first season as an NBA rotation player. He earned a big extension in the offseason and is expected to be a huge part of the team’s big-man situation going forward.
The same is true to a lesser extent for Garza, who had a similar but smaller breakout last season in a backup role. He proved he can really stroke it from outside and has a lot to offer, especially on the offensive end. He’s entering the last year of his deal, but if he can take another leap, there could be a long-term role for him in Boston.
A lot is expected of Hugo Gonzalez this season
Gonzalez was a rookie last year and had a very impressive season, albeit in a pretty small role. After trade rumors in the offseason, including his name being thrown around as a sticking point in Giannis Antetokounmpo talks, a lot is expected of the second-year Spaniard this season.
He proved what he can do on defense and in transition, but this year he’ll be expected to take on a bigger role on the offensive end and could be a key part of the team’s young core going forward.
They’ll each get to work on their skills in these last few tune-ups before heading to Boston in a few weeks, and hopefully all three will be oozing with confidence after leading their national teams and will be ready to contribute to a successful Celtics season in the fall.
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