Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is monitoring rising center Neemias Queta during the offseason. With Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury and roster changes including the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, Queta could see an expanded role this season.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is monitoring rising center Neemias Queta closely during the offseason, and the attention is warranted. The Celtics are entering a pivotal stretch with the landscape of their roster shifting in ways that could redefine their identity. With Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury, and major roster changes that included the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, there is a growing sense that Queta’s role will expand significantly this season. For a team with championship aspirations, the development of a young center like Queta might prove to be one of the most underrated storylines in Boston’s pursuit of continued dominance in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics are in a moment of transition. While Tatum’s injury is not expected to keep him out for the entirety of the season, the recovery process will undoubtedly mean Mazzulla has to rethink rotations, scoring responsibilities, and interior defense. The absence of Porzingis, who was not only a capable scorer but also a versatile defender with his length and ability to protect the rim, leaves a notable gap in the frontcourt. Similarly, Kornet, though not a star, provided depth and steady minutes when called upon. Without them, the Celtics are thinner at the big man positions, which creates the perfect opportunity for Queta to carve out a meaningful role.
Neemias Queta, a Portuguese center, has been patiently working his way up to this moment. Drafted in 2021 by the Sacramento Kings, Queta spent much of his early career developing in the G League, showing flashes of potential with his rebounding instincts, shot-blocking ability, and soft touch around the rim. He has always been a player who relies on energy and physicality, two qualities that Boston fans have long appreciated in their centers. While not yet considered a household name, Queta has the tools to be a reliable contributor in the NBA if he continues to refine his game and seize the opportunities that now lie in front of him.
The Celtics have historically thrived when they’ve had depth at the center position. From the days of Bill Russell’s dynasty to the Kevin Garnett era, Boston has leaned on their big men to set the tone defensively and impose their presence in the paint. In more recent years, Al Horford has been that calming anchor, using his intelligence and versatility to impact the game in ways that extend beyond the box score. However, Horford is entering the twilight of his career, and expecting him to log heavy minutes throughout a long season is no longer realistic. This puts added pressure on the coaching staff to develop younger options like Queta who can handle stretches of meaningful playing time, particularly when the team needs size and energy.
Queta’s biggest strength lies in his ability to alter shots at the rim. While he may not have the offensive skill set of Porzingis, his defensive instincts could provide Boston with a different but equally important contribution. In a league where rim protection is still highly valued, his shot-blocking could be a major asset. Additionally, Queta is an active rebounder, something the Celtics will need more of after losing two big men. If he can consistently secure defensive rebounds and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents, he will quickly become a trusted piece in Mazzulla’s rotation.
Offensively, Queta is still a work in progress. He has shown flashes of being able to finish around the rim with both hands and has soft touch on short floaters and put-backs. Boston doesn’t necessarily need him to stretch the floor or become a primary scoring option. With scorers like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and eventually Tatum carrying the offensive load, Queta’s value will be in setting strong screens, rolling to the basket, and capitalizing on easy scoring chances created by his teammates. If he can master the art of being in the right place at the right time, he will fit seamlessly into the Celtics’ offensive schemes.
Mazzulla’s challenge this offseason is to evaluate how quickly Queta can adapt to an expanded role. Summer workouts, training camp, and preseason games will be crucial for the coaching staff to determine just how much they can lean on him once the regular season begins. It is not only about whether Queta can handle 15 to 20 minutes per game but also about whether he can sustain his energy, avoid foul trouble, and be trusted in high-pressure moments. The Celtics will be looking for him to prove that he is ready to contribute consistently and not just in spurts.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Queta’s development is how he complements the rest of the roster. Without Porzingis, Boston loses a big man who could stretch the floor with his shooting. While Queta does not provide that spacing, his presence as a traditional rim-running center allows for different offensive looks. For example, lineups featuring Queta alongside perimeter shooters could create spacing simply by forcing defenses to collapse on his rim runs. This opens the door for kick-out opportunities to Boston’s many capable shooters. In this way, Queta doesn’t have to score in bunches; he simply needs to be enough of a threat around the basket to keep defenses honest.
Boston’s system under Mazzulla emphasizes versatility and adaptability, and Queta’s skill set offers both challenges and opportunities in that regard. He is not yet a polished passer out of the post, but if he can develop the ability to recognize double teams and make the right reads, it will make him much harder to defend. Furthermore, his ability to run the floor could be a huge asset in transition. With players like Brown and White pushing the pace, having a big man who can keep up and finish plays could add another dimension to the Celtics’ fast-break attack.
Beyond the tactical considerations, Queta’s situation represents something larger about the Celtics’ strategy. For years, Boston has built around the superstar talents of Tatum and Brown while supplementing them with experienced veterans and savvy role players. Now, with the roster thinner in the frontcourt, they are forced to lean on youth and potential in ways they haven’t had to recently. This gives Queta a golden chance to accelerate his development and cement himself as part of the team’s long-term plans.
For Queta personally, this is the kind of opportunity that young players dream about. He has spent the majority of his career fighting for minutes, often overshadowed by more established big men. With the path now clear for increased playing time, his response will determine whether he becomes a fixture in the rotation or fades into a depth role. If he rises to the occasion, he could establish himself as one of the more important developmental success stories in recent Celtics history.
There is also a cultural element at play. Queta has always been praised for his work ethic and team-first mentality, qualities that align perfectly with Boston’s identity. The Celtics have long prided themselves on building a culture of accountability and hard work, and Queta embodies those values. His journey from Portugal to the NBA is already a testament to his determination, and his teammates are likely to rally around his continued growth. In a locker room filled with stars, players like Queta often become the glue that holds things together, offering energy, humility, and unselfishness.
The timing of all this could not be more critical. The Eastern Conference remains highly competitive, with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat all posing serious challenges. For Boston to maintain its edge, they need every piece of the roster to contribute. While much of the attention will naturally be on how Tatum recovers and how Brown continues to evolve as a leader, the hidden key to Boston’s success might just be how well their supporting cast performs. In that sense, Queta’s rise could be one of the more important storylines of the season.
Fans should not expect Queta to suddenly transform into an All-Star or the focal point of the team. What they should look for is steady improvement, reliability, and the ability to fill the gaps left by departed players. If he can provide strong minutes off the bench, anchor the defense when called upon, and play within himself offensively, that will be a massive win for the Celtics. In many ways, his development could alleviate pressure on veterans like Horford and allow Mazzulla to manage minutes more effectively throughout the season.
Ultimately, the spotlight on Neemias Queta is not just about his individual growth but about what it represents for the Boston Celtics. This is a team in transition, balancing superstar talent with the need to develop depth and resilience. The loss of Porzingis and Kornet has created uncertainty, but it has also opened the door for opportunity. For Queta, this is his moment to prove that he belongs, that he can handle the demands of playing for a franchise with championship expectations. If he succeeds, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career and a critical piece of Boston’s pursuit of another banner.
As the offseason unfolds and training camp draws nearer, all eyes will be on Mazzulla’s rotations, Tatum’s recovery, and the evolution of Boston’s new-look roster. Yet, beneath the headlines, the steady emergence of Neemias Queta may prove to be one of the most important developments of all. In a season where every role matters, and every contribution could tip the balance between victory and defeat, Queta’s expanded role might just be the hidden advantage the Celtics need.
