NBA

Neemias Queta might be the Celtics’ Center of the Future

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You’re missing out if you haven’t been keeping up with the Celtics or NCAAB odds by FanDuel this year.

After raising the Larry O’Brien, adding new players, and raising an 18th banner to the storied rafters of TD Garden, the start of this season has been– well, mundane (for the casual NBA fan).

With Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, and the regular season holding less weight than the playoffs, the Celtics’ 8-2 start has been ignored in NBA circles.

Yet, there are still plenty of storylines for the basketball diehards. There’s the Jayson Tatum MVP campaign. There’s the continued success story of Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White is putting together a convincing bid for an All-Star appearance.

But there’s one important storyline buried among the rest: Neemias Queta‘s ascension.

Enter Neemias

In a recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics started out down 16-2, which was disastrous by their standards.

Then, Neemias Queta came into the game. The Celtics were only down by 4 after the 1st quarter.

https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1855096696352460972

 

For a veteran like Al Horford to speak so highly of a 25-year-old like Neemias Queta is truly meaningful. It reflects not only Queta’s potential and growth, but also the respect he has earned from seasoned players within the organization.

This run hasn’t proven to be a fluke either. Neemias Queta has truly been blossoming into the Celtics’ Center of the future this year. In 23 minutes per game, Queta is averaging 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over his last 5 games.

Not the most flashy numbers, but his impact can not be overstated. He forms half of the top net-rating duo in the NBA, boasting a 33.3 net rating when sharing the floor with Derrick White.

https://twitter.com/portalqueta/status/1855392934989828258?s=61

He also has an individual +/- of +72, a remarkable figure after just 10 games. Neemias Queta’s early-season growth could preview what’s to come. He’s shown impressive offensive efficiency, strong rim protection on defense, and outstanding +/- and net-rating numbers.

Brad Stevens may have uncovered the Boston Celtics’ center of the future from the Kings’ G-League roster.

Neemias Queta is truly a diamond in the rough.

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