Neemias Queta has quietly become one of the most reliable big men in the NBA, and Derrick White made sure to spotlight that growth following another strong showing for the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in Phoenix.
The veteran guard described Queta as “amazing on both sides of the ball,” always in the right place and delivering night after night with consistent effort.
Derrick White on Neemias Queta:
“He's been amazing, on both sides of the ball. Just always seems to be in the right place… It's great to see him do it night in and night out. We expect that from him every day, and he shows up and he brings it.” pic.twitter.com/jNUwANmSAt
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) February 25, 2026
Queta’s rim protection, rebounding tenacity, and ability to finish around the basket have given the Celtics a physical presence that complements their perimeter-oriented attack. His basketball IQ shines through in help defense and timely rotations, allowing Boston to switch schemes without sacrificing size or mobility. The Portuguese center’s steady improvement reflects the organization’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Queta’s performances continue to earn trust from teammates and open eyes around the league, proving that hard work and fit can elevate any role player into a difference-maker.
In the 2025-26 season, Neemias Queta has enjoyed a true breakout campaign for the Celtics across 54 games, averaging 9.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 63.8 percent field-goal shooting.
The 7-foot center logs 25.0 minutes per night, ranking among the league’s top rebounders while adding 1.3 blocks per contest. His efficiency and physicality have anchored the frontcourt during key stretches, helping Boston maintain strong defensive metrics and providing much-needed interior presence. Queta’s development stands as one of the most encouraging stories of the season for Boston.
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