Coming into this season, nobody knew what to expect from Neemias Queta. After serving as the Boston Celtics' fourth-string center last year, he was suddenly pressed into a starting role following the offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
Queta has thrived in his new role, emerging as one of the best two-way centers in the league. Through 57 games this season, he's averaging 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, helping the Celtics post the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-20.
He just had one of the best games of his career, too, dominating the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night with 27 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. He had a double-double by halftime and received MVP chants from the TD Garden crowd in the fourth quarter.
After the game, NBA analyst Keith Smith issued a public apology to Queta on X.
The apology should be as loud as the mistake was:
I didn't think Neemias Queta was ready to be a starting center. I was wrong. He's been more than ready and has been terrific for the Celtics this season. And he's still getting better too!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 2, 2026
"The apology should be as loud as the mistake was: I didn't think Neemias Queta was ready to be a starting center. I was wrong. He's been more than ready and has been terrific for the Celtics this season. And he's still getting better too!" Smith wrote.
Smith wasn't the only one who underestimated the 26-year-old big man coming into the season. Not even the most optimistic Boston fans were expecting this.
Queta's rebounding, interior presence and defense have been crucial for a Celtics team that appeared woefully undersized heading into the year. He's wildly surpassed expectations this year, just like the team as a whole.
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