Celtics' Neemias Queta Transforms from Garbage Time to Impact Player

The young center has made a remarkable leap in just one season, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:10am

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Neemias Queta, a second-year center for the Boston Celtics, has gone from playing limited minutes in garbage time last season to becoming a key contributor this year. His improved screening, passing, and decision-making have earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, helping the Celtics solidify their position as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

Queta's rapid development is a testament to his hard work and the Celtics' ability to identify and develop talent. His emergence as a reliable center has addressed a major question mark for the team, allowing them to focus on their championship aspirations without worrying about the center position.

The details

A year ago, Queta played less than two minutes of garbage time in 24 of the 62 games he appeared in. This season, he has become a trusted part of the Celtics' rotation, making the right reads and plays to help the team succeed. His improved screening, passing, and finishing around the rim have been crucial, as he has developed strong chemistry with star forward Jayson Tatum.

  • On April 4, 2025, Queta played less than two minutes of garbage time in a blowout win over the Phoenix Suns.
  • This season, Queta has only had one game with less than two minutes of playing time.

The players

Neemias Queta

A second-year center for the Boston Celtics who has made a remarkable leap in his development, going from playing limited minutes in garbage time to becoming a key contributor for the team.

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics, who has praised Queta's improvement and expressed confidence in his ability to continue developing as an NBA starting big man.

Derrick White

A guard for the Boston Celtics who has also praised Queta's development, noting the team's increased trust in him to make the right plays and reads.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has highlighted Queta's improved screening and decision-making as key factors in the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“It's unbelievable. I couldn't be more proud and happier for Neemi. The way he's seeing the game, the leap that he's made as a screener, as a passer. [He's] somebody we can trust when we throw him the ball in the seams, finishing, protecting the rim.”

— Jayson Tatum

“He's been doing it all year. I think maybe at the beginning of the year, maybe we didn't trust him as much as we do now. And every time we throw it to him, we just expect him to make the right read, and right play. He's developed a lot of confidence, and we all have confidence in him.”

— Derrick White

“Neemi is doing a great job of getting behind the defense and screening, kind of creating confusion. He's a guy we really trust to throw it to and he's gonna make the right read and the right play.”

— Derrick White

“He is an NBA starting big man. That's who he is now, he's only going to continue to get better.”

— Jayson Tatum

What’s next

The Celtics will look to Queta to continue his strong play as they push for a deep playoff run and a potential championship.

The takeaway

Neemias Queta's remarkable transformation from a player who saw limited minutes in garbage time to a key contributor for the Celtics showcases the team's ability to develop talent and the power of hard work and dedication. His emergence has addressed a major need for the team and could be a crucial factor in their championship aspirations.