With superstar forward Jayson Tatum back in the fold, the Boston Celtics are starting to look eerily similar to their dominant 2024 championship team. The “gap year” Celtics have defied many fans’ expectations all season, as they currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with three games left.
A key reason for this is the emergence of center Neemias Queta. The fifth-year veteran out of Utah State has played a critical role in the Celtics’ success, averaging 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Queta's effort on the glass, combined with his presence in the interior, has been vital throughout the season and has only grown with the playoffs approaching. In his last five games, Queta has been scorching hot, averaging 16.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, helping the Celtics go 5-0 in this stretch.
If Boston is going to make a deep postseason run, it’ll need Queta to maintain this level of production.
Neemias Queta Could Be Key to Celtics' Title Aspirations
When playoff basketball begins, the physicality gets turned up a few notches. The Eastern Conference features several tough, scrappy teams, such as the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.
Boston has struggled mightily against both teams this season, going 1-3 against the Pistons and 1-2 against the Knicks. While Tatum’s absence played a part in the Celtics’ losing record against the two, rebounding was the ultimate factor.
The Celtics were outrebounded in three of their four games against the Pistons and in two of their three matchups against the Knicks. This is where Boston desperately needs Queta.
Throughout the season, Queta has been a reliable rebounder but has been much more effective on the glass as of late. In his last 10 games, he is averaging 8.5 rebounds, including 3.2 offensive rebounds, which have created plenty of second-chance opportunities and easy put-backs.
In addition to rebounding, Queta has provided the Celtics with a huge scoring boost. With Tatum back, the two have great chemistry in the pick-and-roll and have connected on several lobs. Additionally, Queta has progressed in scoring around the basket, flashing several counters in the low post.
These contributions will be pivotal in potential matchups with Jalen Duran and Karl-Anthony Towns, both of whom rank among the league’s top rebounders. Making sure these guys don’t give their teams second-chance opportunities or any life on offense is the top priority.
It's Not Just His Rebounding
Beyond rebounding, Queta must continue to assert himself in the paint. His 1.5 blocks over the last 10 games are great, along with his ability to alter shots. Queta makes the close, easy baskets difficult, and this will prove crucial in the playoffs, with the pace slowing down and each possession carrying more value.
Queta’s importance to this team cannot be understated. Without him, the Celtics don’t have another center they can rely on in the playoffs. They are trying to get Nikola Vucevic up to speed after he missed time due to injury, but even in limited action, he hasn’t impressed.
Meanwhile, Luka Garza has done a solid job scoring around the basket, giving the Celtics second-chance opportunities. However, he isn’t an interior threat like Queta is.
While Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the engine to this team, Queta is the X-factor who can swing games and make life easier on them. Hopefully, his recent surge can continue, and the Celtics can return to the NBA Finals.