Celtics’ Surprising Center Neemias Queta Steps Up in Porziņģis’ Absence: Is He the Hidden Gem?
The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, have come out of the gate with a scorching 7-1 start to the 2024 season. Sitting just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings, the Celtics have been firing on all cylinders, despite a significant absence from one of their key contributors: star center Kristaps Porziņģis.
Porziņģis, a key piece of Boston’s title run last season, has been sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a reinaculum injury. The former All-Star averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game in 2023-24, playing a pivotal role in Boston’s run to the championship. His absence left a noticeable gap in the Celtics’ frontcourt, but what’s been most surprising is how head coach Joe Mazzulla and the rest of the team have found ways to maintain their dominance without him.
One of the most unlikely heroes in the early part of the season has been Neemias Queta, a player who’s seen sporadic minutes in his NBA career but is starting to show signs that he could be a valuable contributor to a championship-caliber squad.
Queta’s Early Breakout: From Minimal Minutes to Key Contributor
For the most part, Queta had been a depth piece in Boston’s rotation. He’s not a player who entered the season with much fanfare, but he’s quickly made a name for himself in a series of impactful performances that have turned heads. The most notable of those came when he was thrust into the starting lineup during a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
In just 23 minutes of play, Queta delivered a standout performance, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, a steal, and a block in what was his first career NBA start. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Queta had already shown flashes of his potential earlier in the season, including a near-comeback performance against the Indiana Pacers in which he grabbed 9 rebounds. And in a game against the Charlotte Hornets, Queta was a major contributor, finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist in just 24 minutes of action.
These performances have certainly raised eyebrows, especially given the challenges of filling the shoes of a player like Porziņģis. While Queta isn’t expected to take over the starting center role in the long term, he’s proven to be a valuable asset as a rotational player who can make a meaningful impact when called upon.
Mazzulla’s Praise: Recognizing Queta’s Growth
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been effusive in his praise of Queta’s development, noting the strides the young big man has made both on and off the court. Mazzulla’s comments highlight just how much the Celtics coaching staff believes in Queta’s potential.
“He’s grown a lot as a player and quite honestly he doesn’t know how good he can be,” Mazzulla said, per Brian Robb of Mass Live. “He’s got a great ceiling and so the standard is very high and I thought he did some great things for us tonight.”
That high standard is evident in Mazzulla’s approach. While Queta may not have the same offensive upside as Porziņģis, Mazzulla is excited about his defensive presence and his potential as a versatile frontcourt player who can contribute across multiple areas of the game.
“When you’re as good as he could be, we all got to hold him to that standard every single night,” Mazzulla added. “It’s a credit to them for allowing us to coach him, it’s a credit to the guys for supporting him. You see what he’s capable of when he’s at his best, and he could be a real asset for us.”
The Role of Queta in Boston’s Championship Hopes
It’s important to temper expectations for Queta. He’s not going to replace Porziņģis’ scoring or stretch-five capabilities, and it’s unlikely he’ll be the primary starter once Porziņģis is healthy. However, what Queta has proven in his limited opportunities is that he can be a key role player who provides energy, toughness, and depth—traits that are invaluable on a championship-contending team like the Celtics.
The Celtics’ frontcourt already boasts a dynamic duo in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, with Al Horford providing veteran leadership. But as we saw last season, Boston’s depth is what made them such a formidable force. Queta’s ability to come off the bench or fill in as a spot starter provides the Celtics with the flexibility they need to weather the absence of a player like Porziņģis without missing a beat.
Queta’s defense has already had an impact on several key games this season, and as Mazzulla noted, the sky’s the limit for the 24-year-old center. His combination of size (6-foot-11) and athleticism gives the Celtics another defensive option to pair with their star wings, and his rebounding and shot-blocking presence help solidify what has already been one of the league’s top defenses.
Looking Ahead: Queta’s Role in Boston’s Deep Playoff Run
As the season progresses and Porziņģis returns to the fold, Queta’s minutes might decrease as the Celtics return to full strength. However, his performances so far have solidified his role as a key depth piece who can step up when needed. In an NBA season that is always filled with injuries and roster adjustments, having a player like Queta who is ready to step into a larger role at a moment’s notice is an invaluable asset.
Queta’s growth as a player could also open up more opportunities for him down the line. If he continues to play at a high level, the Celtics could consider finding ways to integrate him into the rotation more regularly, potentially in a matchup-dependent role.
For now, the Celtics are in a great position, sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a 7-1 record, and Queta’s unexpected contributions have helped them maintain that position. As the season unfolds, his development could prove crucial to Boston’s chances of defending their NBA championship.
In the end, while the Celtics wait for Porziņģis to return, Neemias Queta has already shown that he’s capable of stepping up when it matters most. His future in Boston is bright, and if he continues to progress, he could become an integral part of their championship defense.
