After the Celtics lost Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis last offseason, the team needed a center who could step up and produce. Recently, Boston traded for Nikola Vucevic to help as the season heads closer to the playoffs.
However, it’s unknown how big a role Vucevic will have. It's taken a while for Neemias Queta to get there, but Boston may have found their big man of the future.
The 26-year-old Queta was signed by the Celtics during the 2023-24 season. He signed a three-year contract extension during the 2024-25 season, with the Celtics having confidence in his ability. It's this season where, after a major facelift to the roster, Queta has broken out.
Queta recently had 20 rebounds in a game and continues to be the main rebound leader for the team. He even led in assists in one game. It’s what he did this late into the season that has impressed Celtics brass.
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Against the 76ers, Queta scored 27 points, had seventeen rebounds, and three blocks. He became the first Celtic since Robert Parish in 1989 to record 25+ points and ten+ offensive rebounds in a single game.
When you think of the history of the Celtics, it’s simply incredible what he accomplished.
“I feel like it was depositing his trust in me,” Queta said of coach Joe Mazzulla and a phone call that secured his spot as a starter via MassLive. “Just having my back through and through it all.
“It wasn’t like the easiest summer for me, too. He was always there. Present. Just trying to help me out. Just trying to get me as confident as I could just to get out here and help us win.”
Some MVP chants breaking out for Neemias Queta at the line — would imagine those are the first of his NBA career
19 point, 14 rebounds tonight pic.twitter.com/U8sq1Lk447
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 2, 2026
Fans looking to see what Queta would do next were left to wait when he was given rest against the Bucks on Monday, with Vucevic getting the start. The win against Milwaukee, which had Giannis Antetokounmpo return to action, was the third straight for Boston.
Given a deserved break, Queta and the Celtics now embark on an important run. Some are against teams they can beat, and others are against contenders. All are important for Queta’s progression, a role Mazzulla hoped he would embrace before the season began.
“Part of telling him in the summer that he was going to be the starting center was giving him the time to properly wrap his mind around —- physically, mentally, emotionally prepare himself—— for what it means to be the starting center for the Celtics,” Mazzulla said via CelticsBlog. “And he’s taken on that ownership and responsibility well, and he’s got to keep it going.”
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The Celtics’ next three games are against the following:
Wednesday, March 4: vs. Charlotte Hornets
Friday, March 6: vs. Dallas Mavericks
Sunday, March 8: at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Hornets are tenth in the Eastern Conference (as of March 3, 2026) and on a four-game win streak. Dallas is out of the playoffs in the Western Conference and on a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Cleveland is fourth in the EC.
Against contenders, Queta can prove he’s made to last, especially if Boston faces the likes of the Cavaliers and Hornets in the playoffs. He’ll square off against players like Brandon Miller, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Cooper Flagg.
The pressure is on for Queta, though that has been the case throughout the season. The 7-foot star will attempt to continue what he started against the 76ers. All eyes will be on him.
For Queta, the support of his team and believing in himself is all that he needs.
“I’m very pleased to see his progression. He’s been working hard all season long and done a good job this year. I think he has another level that he can tap into. And I feel like he’s starting to tap into that next level,” Jaylen Brown said about Queta via Heavy.