Neemias Queta Lands Behind Former Celtics Star in Sporting News' Center Rankings image
Neemias Queta Lands Behind Former Celtics Star in Sporting News' Center Rankings image
In a season of uncertainty, Neemias Queta had a breakout 2025-26 campaign for the Celtics. The sky is the limit for the Portuguese star if he can maintain the starting center role for Boston.
Selected 39th in the 2021 NBA Draft, Queta won a ring with the 2023-24 Celtics. He transitioned to a starter during the 2025-26 season following changes to the front court. In 76 games, he averaged career-highs in points (10.2), rebounds (8.4), assists (1.7), and blocks (1.3) per game.
Queta’s breakout season has placed him 19th on The Sporting News’ center rankings for the 2026-27 season.
Queta was placed between the Bucks’ Myles Turner and the Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics traded Porzingis to the Hawks in a three-team deal, which allowed Queta to emerge as a top star.
When explaining his position, Steph Noh stated the following:
"Queta came from out of nowhere to become a solid starting center in the league. He brings high energy, great offensive rebounding, plus defense, and finishing at the rim."
The Celtics recently gave Queta a four-year, $56 million extension. The 27-year-old aims to be a major contributor in the 2026-27 season.
Though the team signed Mitchell Robinson, Queta, if healthy, will remain one of the top players the Celtics can rely on.
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