Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta has been one of the best stories of the 2025-26 NBA season. The Portuguese big man has transformed himself into one of the most reliable frontcourt players in the league, and he's completely answered the call during a season when the Celtics badly needed him.
The Athletic's John Hollinger asserted this week that Queta is a candidate for Most Improved Player.
"He’s been one of the league’s most improved players this season, an advanced stats darling with a PER of 19.9, a 63.6 shooting percentage and rates of rebounds and blocks that rank him among the league’s top dozen players in both categories," Hollinger wrote of Queta on Friday. "The 7-footer has been a massive reason Boston has stayed in the thick of the Eastern Conference race even with Tatum sidelined for the first 62 games."
Neemias Queta: 24 points, 11-13 FG
Luka Garza: 15 points, 5-6 FG
The first pair of Celtics teammates with 15+ points on at least 83% shooting (min. 15 combined FGA) since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in 2008. pic.twitter.com/33AvYHEibm
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) March 15, 2026
Queta is now averaging 10.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per contest across 63 appearances, playing 25 minutes per game.
His consistent double-double threat, rim protection, and energy have bolstered the Celtics' interior play amid a tremendous campaign so far for the 26-year-old.
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