Celtics' Queta Emerges as Frontrunner for Most Improved Player

Teammate Jaylen Brown praises Queta's remarkable transformation from role player to starting center

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:12am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant green and white colors, representing the Celtics' uniform and the dynamic nature of Queta's play.Queta's rise from role player to starting center has been a testament to his hard work and the Celtics' commitment to player development.Boston Today

Neemias Queta's journey from the Celtics' fourth-string center to a starting role has been nothing short of remarkable. His teammate Jaylen Brown has witnessed Queta's growth firsthand, describing it as 'like night and day' in terms of his understanding of the game and connectivity with the team. Queta's impressive statistics and defensive impact have made him a frontrunner for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Why it matters

Queta's rapid development has been a key factor in the Celtics' success this season. His ability to step up and fill a void left by injuries to the team's top centers has elevated the entire squad. Queta's case for the Most Improved Player award highlights the importance of player development and the potential for unheralded players to make a significant impact.

The details

After the Celtics lost their top three centers, Queta seized the opportunity to earn a starting role. His defensive prowess, including being sixth in the NBA in block percentage and eighth in offensive rebound percentage, has been a game-changer. The Celtics have outscored opponents by 13.3 points per 100 possessions with Queta on the court, a stark contrast to the plus-3.7 points per 100 possessions when he is on the bench.

  • Queta's rise from the fourth string to the starting lineup occurred after the Celtics lost their top three centers earlier this season.
  • The regular season is drawing to a close, and Queta's case for the Most Improved Player award is as strong as ever.

The players

Neemias Queta

A center for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as a key contributor and frontrunner for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Jaylen Brown

A teammate of Queta's on the Boston Celtics who has witnessed Queta's remarkable transformation and development this season.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has praised Queta's defensive skills and impact on the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“Queta's development has been like night and day. His understanding of the game and connectivity with the team has improved significantly.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Player

“Queta's positioning and rim protection have been a key factor in our success. His defensive skills are a result of his constant development and a desire to become a great rim protector.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics are in a strong position to make the playoffs, and Queta's continued impact on the team's success will be crucial in the postseason. Whether he wins the Most Improved Player award or not, his growth and development have been a privilege to witness.

The takeaway

Queta's journey from a role player to a starting center for the Celtics is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the importance of player development in the NBA. His case for the Most Improved Player award highlights the potential for unheralded players to make a significant impact and become key contributors to their team's success.