On Monday, October 9, 2023, in New York, Donte DiVincenzo of the New York Knicks passes the ball away from Neemias Queta of the Boston Celtics (88) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game. Frank Franklin II/AP PhotoAP
Prior to training camp, the Celtics signed Neemias Queta to a two-way contract in an effort to increase their big man depth. That got even more crucial after the Celtics dealt Jrue Holiday for Robert Williams III, perhaps creating more opportunities in the future.
Queta made an impression during his time on the court as the C’s finished their five-game preseason schedule. even received several additional opportunities
In an effort to bolster the depth of their big men before the start of training camp, the Celtics signed Neemias Queta to a two-way contract. After the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday for Robert Williams III, it became even more important, perhaps opening up more opportunities in the future.
During his time on the court as the C’s completed their five-game preseason schedule, Queta left an impression. even got several other opportunities
Queta quickly established himself by getting some running time with the starters. The big man finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive glass, and a flawless 6-for-6 shooting performance. That kind of impact has the potential to be really beneficial.
“I feel like I’m always consistent with my work in the paint,” Queta said to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston following the victory. “I can compete at the top level. I simply want to be able to do it consistently and contribute to the team’s ability to win as many games as possible.
Naturally, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has cautioned against drawing too many conclusions from preseason actions. But if Queta continues to play solid minutes, he might have a bigger role in the regular season. He now has a two-way contract, meaning he will spend some time with the G-League Maine Celtics as well. The roster push may aim to get
Since he joined us, “he’s gotten better and better every day,” Mazzulla said. The most crucial factor, in my opinion, is simply his capacity to understand our defensive strategies for a player like him. I believed that he had made significant progress toward meeting our defensive demands.
Luke Kornet appeared to be the obvious choice as the third big man on the roster heading into camp. When the Celtics needed him in previous seasons, the 7-foot-1 center showed he could chew up regular-season minutes. He didn’t play on Thursday, and he hasn’t exactly exuded confidence throughout the preseason.
In any case, the Celtics value having a strong backup big man. During the regular season, Horford and Kristaps Porzingis will miss several games, so the C’s will need to find production somewhere. The Celtics could look elsewhere to fill that position, but Queta and Kornet are expected to be in the mix.
Mazzulla praised Queta’s offensive prowess, calling it “huge.” “To pass, screen, consider, and move. I appreciate how he has developed. Since he’s been here, our staff has done a fantastic job of nurturing him.
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