The Al Horford era at center for the Boston Celtics might be over. (sheds tear) While still unsigned, it is unlikely he is coming back next season.
With that being said, Neemias Queta’s time has finally arrived.
The 26-year-old Portuguese big man now steps into what could be the defining chapter of his young Celtics career, and for the first time, the position is unquestionably his.
Following in the footsteps of Boston’s recent bigs, from Al Horford’s steady, floor-stretching presence to Robert Williams’ jaw-dropping rim protection, Queta has a clear blueprint for success. If he can channel a little of Al’s open three consistency while embracing Time Lord’s fearless shot-blocking instincts, he has a chance to give the Celtics the best of both worlds and be able to make his own mark in the storied lineage of Boston big men.
The Journey
Queta’s journey to this point has been anything but predictable. After spending his first three professional seasons refining his skills in the G League, he broke through as a full-time NBA player in the 2024-25 season, appearing in a career-high 62 games and making six starts. His energy, soft touch around the rim, and physical presence on defense made him a valuable reserve, even in a crowded frontcourt rotation.
Now, with Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kornet gone, and Horford expected to follow, the path is clear for Queta to take on starter-level minutes for Joe Mazzulla.
Boston's thin roster on the frontcourt means Queta will take on a larger role than he has before. He will be the anchor on defense, be willing to control the boards, and provide some spacing on offense for the threes to be launched. With Tatum being out, it will be a great learning experience in this transition year for Queta to play real minutes and develop into the player he has the potential to be. He also has a great contract at a team-friendly $2.35 million, making him a valuable asset on this expensive team.
Queta's Moment
The signs of a leap are already there. Just a week ago, Queta led Portugal to a stunning exhibition upset over Spain, scoring 17 points, grabbing nine boards, and sealing the game with a thunderous dunk. He still hasn’t reached his ceiling, and with consistent NBA minutes, his production could easily scale up.
This 2025-26 Celtics campaign is all about building, reloading, and retooling. It is important in laying the foundation for a full-strength title run in 2026-27. If Queta seizes this moment, the Celtics will have both a reliable starting center and, potentially, a valuable trade asset should they choose to cash in at the February 2026 deadline.
Either way, Boston is banking on him to be more than just a stopgap. Neemias Queta’s big season is here, and it might just redefine the Celtics' frontcourt for years to come.