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Celtics' Sam Hauser praises Neemias Queta's 'buttery' first 3-pointer
The Celtics center has developed into a key starter after fighting for minutes with the Kings
Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:06pm
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Neemias Queta's surprising 3-pointer highlights his growth into a key starting center for the Celtics this season.New Orleans TodayBoston Celtics center Neemias Queta, who previously struggled to get playing time with the Sacramento Kings, hit his first career 3-pointer in a blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Celtics wing Sam Hauser praised Queta's shot as 'buttery' and said the 7-footer has solidified himself as a starting center in the league, putting him in the conversation for Most Improved Player.
Why it matters
Queta's development into a reliable starting center has been a key factor in the Celtics' success this season. His ability to stretch the floor with 3-point shooting adds a new dimension to Boston's offense and complements their star players.
The details
Queta, a 7-foot center from Lisbon, Portugal, had only attempted 10 3-pointers in his first five NBA seasons with the Kings, all of which missed. But with increased playing time and confidence in Boston, he confidently knocked down his first career 3-pointer in the blowout win over the Pelicans, drawing cheers from the Celtics' bench.
- Queta hit his first career 3-pointer in the third quarter of the Celtics' 144-118 win over the Pelicans on April 11, 2026.
- The Celtics have one regular season game remaining on April 13, 2026 against the Orlando Magic.
The players
Neemias Queta
A 7-foot center for the Boston Celtics who previously struggled to get playing time with the Sacramento Kings but has developed into a reliable starting center in Boston.
Sam Hauser
A wing player for the Boston Celtics who praised Queta's 3-pointer as 'buttery' and said the center has solidified himself as a starting 5-man in the league.
What they’re saying
“'Buttery, it was buttery,'”
— Sam Hauser, Celtics wing
“'He's done a great job all year and gotten better and better and better, and really shown why he's a starting five-man in this league and on this team. His name should be in the running for Most Improved Player and he's come up big for us a lot this year.'”
— Sam Hauser, Celtics wing
What’s next
The Celtics will end the regular season with a home game against the Orlando Magic on April 13, 2026, though Queta and other starters may rest in preparation for the playoffs.
The takeaway
Neemias Queta's development into a reliable starting center has been a key factor in the Celtics' success this season. His ability to stretch the floor with 3-point shooting adds a new dimension to Boston's offense and puts him in the conversation for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
