Neemias Queta has been one of the more interesting players for the Celtics this preseason. Queta was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 39th pick in the 2021 draft.
The 24-year-old appeared in just 20 games in his two seasons with the Kings, spending most of his time with the team’s G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Queta found success in the G League. A season ago, Queta was selected to the All-NBA G League first team and the G League All-Defensive team. Queta also finished runner-up in G League MVP voting, averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Looking for depth in the front court, the C’s quickly signed the former Utah State standout to a two-way deal after he was let go by Sacramento.
Standing seven feet tall, Queta has been hard to miss on the court this preseason, and so has his potential.
Queta had his best performance of the preseason in Wednesday night’s 112-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Portugal native finished the night with 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting, three rebounds, and two assists in just 7:46 minutes of play. He also finished with the third-highest plus-minus (+14).
Queta is a freakish athlete who provides size, physicality, and energy. Queta also provides versatility on the defensive end with his athleticism, as well as solid rim protection.
With the departure of Robert Williams, the need for frontcourt depth intensified for the Celtics, giving opportunities to guys like Queta, and he has made the most of his chances.
Queta will likely spend the majority of the season in Maine. However, with the Celtics thin at center, injuries and rest days are inevitably going to pop up throughout an 82-game season, which could pave the way for Queta to see some minutes.
It’s also worth noting that the Celtics have tinkered with Lamar Stevens at center a few times throughout the preseason. Stevens, who is on an exhibit 9 deal, appears to be trending in the direction of making the team.
The 26-year-old Stevens is traditionally a wing, standing 6-foot-6, but provides a big frame that the Celtics could try to use to defend traditional fives, similar to the Grant Williams role.
Queta’s development in Maine will be something to monitor. Cutting down on fouling will be a key step in his development. The big man committed seven fouls in 29 minutes of NBA play a season ago, and committed five in just 13:35 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Knicks.
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