Right before the start of the 2024-25 season, it all finally started to hit Neemias Queta.
“It’s been kind of surreal how fast everything has came through and came along,” said Queta. “Right about a year ago, I wasn’t sure where I was going to be at. And then [signing a two-way deal with] Boston, getting converted [to a standard contract], winning a championship. It’s been a hectic year. So I just want to keep it going.”
A second-round pick (39th overall) of the Kings in 2021, Queta was waived by Sacramento on September 12, 2023, leaving his NBA future uncertain. The Celtics swooped in with an open two-way slot to add the 7-foot big man.
An early-season injury to Luke Kornet, coupled with the need to pace both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, helped Queta stick around the parent club at the start of last season. In mid-December, with Kornet sidelined for an eight-game stretch, Queta played an elevated role that essentially set into motion him being rewarded with an elevation to the parent roster later in the season.
This summer, Queta inked a partially guaranteed three-year extension with the Celtics that offers the sort of security that certainly didn’t exist when Sacramento showed him the door. And now he’s eager to prove that there’s even more than what we’ve seen from Queta thus far in Boston.
“I want to see a lot of growth in myself,” said Queta. “I want to be able to come in there and just impact the game. Just being as versatile as I can be. Because I feel like that’s one of the things that can keep you on the court for longer.”
Queta played only 333 total minutes in 28 appearances (11.9 minutes per game) with Boston last season. He was a ball of energy in his floor time, and his per-36 minute stat line — 16.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks — shows his impact despite limited time. Boston’s offensive rating was a robust 128.7 with a plus-20.4 net rating in Queta’s minutes.
Queta helped fuel a furious 24-point comeback before Boston fell in overtime. He was plus-18 over 13 minutes and 39 seconds of floor time while playing much of the final 14 minutes. Queta’s fingerprints were all over Boston’s comeback, based largely on just playing hard. He finished with two points, nine rebounds, and a block.
“I thought Neemi did a great job on both ends of the floor,” said Mazzulla. “His activity, his physicality gave us a spark. It was great stuff by him and I appreciate that.”
The question now is whether Queta’s strong outing could open the door to more time alongside Boston’s core players. With Porzingis sidelined until at least December and the Celtics needing to pace Horford — including planned rest with a back-to-back in Charlotte this weekend — there will be chances for Queta to show how much he can thrive alongside those veteran players.
Early returns are encouraging. Queta has a plus-19.3 net rating in 33 minutes over four appearances. The team’s defensive rating plummets to 87.5 during his floor time. Boston’s rebound rate is a team-best 53.2 percent in Queta’s minutes.
There’s still room for growth, particularly in making sure he’s in the right spots on the offensive end. But his energy, activity, and physicality are undeniable. The next month of play should give Queta a real chance to show his progress.
News
Jayson Tatum: The Meteoric Rise of a Basketball Icon
Jayson Tatum: The Meteoric Rise of a Basketball Icon Jayson Tatum is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the NBA. As fans eagerly watch the Boston Celtics compete, they can’t help but marvel at Tatum’s extraordinary talent…
Jaylen Brown have a BALLING Lifestyle??
Jaylen Marselles Brown, born on October 24, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, has risen to prominence as a pivotal figure in the NBA, particularly with the Boston Celtics. His early life was influenced by his family background; his father, Marselles Brown,…
Jayson Tatum’s Continued Evolution
Jayson Tatum’s Continued Evolution: What More Can He Contribute to the Boston Celtics? As the Boston Celtics prepare for another competitive NBA season, discussions about Jayson Tatum’s contributions to the team are intensifying. Despite the accolades he has accumulated at…
Shams Charania Provides Insight on Kristaps Porzingis’ Return and the 76ers’ Investigation on The Pat McAfee Show
Shams Charania Provides Insight on Kristaps Porzingis’ Return and the 76ers’ Investigation on The Pat McAfee Show In a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, NBA insider Shams Charania shared crucial updates regarding Kristaps Porzingis’ anticipated return and the…
Taylor Swift has fans worried with a very worrying injury
PHOTO: Taylor Swift Has Fans Worried After Social Media Detectives Uncovered New Pic Suggesting She Suffered Very Concerning Injury Taylor Swift (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV) Taylor Swift looked to have sustained a painful injury before she was…
Angelina Jolie Dazzles with Daring New Look at the Screening of Maria
Angelina Jolie Dazzles with Daring New Look at the Screening of Maria At the recent screening of her much-anticipated film Maria, Angelina Jolie made a remarkable entrance that captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Known for her ability…
End of content
No more pages to load