While the C’s are not undefeated like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston is still playing outstanding basketball and is well on its way to replicating last season’s success. With Kristaps Porziņģis still sidelined due to recovery, Celtics big man Neemias Queta has stepped up in a huge way since Joe Mazzulla inserted him into the starting five.
Celtics Big Man Raising His Stock In Starting Lineup
Celtics Big Man Neemias Queta Impacting the Celtics’ Wins
The Portuguese native out of Utah State recently replaced eighteen-year veteran and Celtics champion Al Horford in the starting lineup as coach Mazzulla thought Queta’s size and power in place of the aging veteran could add a different element to the Celtics game. So far, Mazzulla’s roster tweak has paid off, and Queta is playing solid basketball in the painted area. On Saturday night in Toronto to face the Raptors, Queta played a season-high 33 minutes. He posted 12 points, eight rebounds, and one block and went 6-of-8 from the field. With him in the starting lineup, the Celtics are 3-1.
Porziņģis’ vacancy also aids Queta’s opportunity in the roster. However, Porziņģis is expected back at some point next month in December. That being said, Queta’s play might be earning him a higher dose of minutes even when Porziņģis does return. Where does that leave Horford? Who’s to say at this time? Queta’s insertion into Boston’s starting five has evidently impacted their game differently than Horford’s lately. Specifically, his net rating with a handful of Celtics teammates is outstanding. With Queta on the floor with Jayson Tatum, their net rating is +22. With Jaylen Brown, it’s +18, and with Jrue Holiday, +21. These are some significant numbers that Queta is contributing to, which is why it’s entirely reasonable for Mazzulla to keep him in the starting rotation for the time being. The wins also help, of course.
Praised by Friendlies and Opponents
Holiday spoke about how Queta’s impact is affecting the Celtics following their weekend win over the Raptors.
“He can protect the rim, he can protect the paint, you could switch him one through five,” Holiday said, “Guards like to go at him, but he’s such a big body and has so much length to be able to protect from the three-point line, and then he’s quick enough to kind of meet you at the rim too. Neemi gives us versatility and is a really good defender.”
Queta’s teammate wasn’t the only NBA figure to pile on the praise. Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who coached Queta in Sacramento, also spoke about his former player.
“I known him well because one of my teammates was his agent, so we have history, and then I got the chance to coach him [in Sacramento] and he’s an amazing kid, now a grown man, and I’m very happy to see what where he’s at right now playing for a team that he’s playing for and the career he’s having.”
Fernandez also highlighted Queta’s Defensive Player of the Year honor achieved with the Kings G League team as just one of the steps Queta has taken to where he is now starting for the reigning NBA champions. If Queta keeps up his play at the level coach Mazzulla trusts him with, the Celtics might have found a perfect piece for their rotation for the next few years.
