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Projected Celtics Starter Teases Breakout Campaign with Stellar Summer Play

While fans wait for the NBA season to begin, the EuroBasket tournament is underway, and one Celtics starter is off to a great start.
ByJeff Szymanski|
Mar 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts after his basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Mar 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts after his basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

While NBA fans still have some time til the season begins, the EuroBasket tournament began yesterday with many NBA players competing. For younger guys competing, it's a great opportunity for them to help take their game to the next level and prepare for the upcoming season. One team that has a lot of question marks this season is the Boston Celtics, but could one projected starter be set for a breakout season following his play in EuroBasket?

Neemias Queta Set for Breakout Season

When the Celtics initially signed Neemias Queta before the 2023-2024 season, it was on a two-way deal. The former Utah State Aggie played two seasons with the Sacramento Kings before joining the Celtics, where he's shown flashes but hasn't pieced everything together. With Queta playing for Portugal in EuroBasket, this was going to be great for his development.

In Queta's debut game in EuroBasket, he dominated the court, leading Portugal to a 62-50 win over the Czech Republic. This was Portugal's first EuroBasket win since 2007. With Queta's strong play during this game, what would a leap in his game mean for the Celtics?

Going into this upcoming season, the Celtics are in a weird spot. Following a loss to the New York Knicks in the second round, the Celtics lost starters Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, with Jayson Tatum set to miss the season rehabbing a torn Achilles. With many minutes available, getting a jump from Queta would help determine how well the Celtics perform this season.

While some fans expect the Celtics to be at the bottom of the standings, players on the team don't see this as a lost season. Given the lack of proven depth in the frontcourt, Queta's improvement in his play would be huge for the Celtics, as he'd provide a capable option at the center spot in the future. The wait for the NBA season is nearing its end with training camp and media day starting on September 29th.

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