Neemias Queta builds strong case for Most Improved Player

Celtics center has exceeded expectations, nearly doubling career highs in key stats

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:36am

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Neemias Queta, the Boston Celtics' starting center, has emerged as a leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award this season. After making just six starts in his first four NBA seasons, Queta has seized the opportunity to become a key contributor for the Celtics, nearly doubling his previous career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks per game. His dominant performances, including a recent 18-point, 7-rebound, 4-assist, 3-block outing against the Raptors, have helped the Celtics to a 53-25 record and the fourth-best net rating in the league.

Why it matters

Queta's breakout season has been a major factor in the Celtics' success this year, as the team has outscored opponents by 13.1 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. His improved screening, rim protection, and overall feel for the game have opened up opportunities for his teammates, making him a vital piece of the Celtics' championship aspirations.

The details

Queta is averaging 10.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game this season, compared to just 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game in his first four NBA seasons. He has recorded 16 double-doubles, with the Celtics going 14-2 in those games, and has already surpassed his combined totals in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks from his first 110 career games.

  • Queta told his agent before the season that he believed winning the Most Improved Player award was doable.
  • Head coach Joe Mazzulla called Queta to tell him he would be the team's starting center, after Queta had made just six starts in his first 110 career games.
  • In Sunday's 115-101 win over the Raptors, Queta scored 18 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, added 4 assists, and blocked 3 shots, marking his fourth straight game with at least 16 points, a new career-high.

The players

Neemias Queta

The Boston Celtics' starting center, who has emerged as a leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award this season after making just six starts in his first four NBA seasons.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who called Queta to tell him he would be the team's starting center this season.

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics player who has praised Queta's improvement, saying he's 'probably one of the most improved players this year' and that his 'connectivity' and 'feel for the game' have grown significantly.

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What they’re saying

“'Neemi has been great. He's been just consistently getting better. Protecting the rim, finishing, making those little shots, rebounding. In my opinion, he's probably one of the most improved players this year. I don't know if he's up for the award, but he should be.'”

— Jaylen Brown, Celtics player

“'Yeah. I think about it all the time. I feel like I've made a good case for it. But, like we say, there is stuff that we can't control. At the end of the day, I'm just helping the team win. That's my main goal. Obviously, that's secondary, the Most Improved. I'm just glad I'm helping my teammates get to the spot we're in right now. And whether I win it or I don't win it, it's not going to change my perspective and the approach I take every night.'”

— Neemias Queta, Celtics center

What’s next

If the Celtics make a deep playoff run, Queta will play a crucial role in their success, building on his breakout regular season performance.

The takeaway

Neemias Queta's dramatic improvement this season has been a key factor in the Celtics' success, and while he may not win the Most Improved Player award, his development has made him an invaluable part of Boston's championship aspirations.