When the Boston Celtics traded for Nikola Vucevic, it seemed like Neemias Queta would have to take a back seat.
On Sunday night, though, Queta was front and center, directly in the spotlight, doing something no Celtics player had done since Robert Parish.
Queta's final stat line against the Philadelphia 76ers was astounding:
27 points
17 rebounds (10 offensve)
3 blocks
10-14 FG
Queta's previous scoring career high was 19 points.
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This night, against a 76ers frontcourt that was missing Joel Embiid, Queta outworked and outplayed everyone.
In the process, he became the first Celtics player to record 25-plus points and 10-plus offensive rebounds in the same game since Parish did it in 1989, according to StatMuse.
Parish had one of the best nicknames, "Chief." Might be time to start getting Queta a cool nickname of his own.
But regardless of what you call him, Queta has a fantastic story. There were plenty of doubters before this season when the Celtics let Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet all leave in the offseason.
Queta would be the starting center by default, and outsiders weren't sure how that would work.
The Celtics knew what Queta could bring, though, and although he hasn't had massive nights like Sunday, that was just a souped-up version of the positive qualities he has displayed all season.
Queta has earned these continued opportunities, no matter who else is on the depth chart. He's simply a very impactful NBA player.
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