Derrick White stands out as one of the NBA’s most distinctive defenders, but the standout revelation for the Boston Celtics this season is Neemias Queta and his impressive rim protection abilities. Queta’s emergence as a potentially elite rim protector is reshaping the franchise’s outlook for the future.
While the Celtics may still need to secure another center within the next two years, Queta is showing he has the capability to be a legitimate starting center for a championship team. This development alleviates some pressure on Boston, particularly regarding their search for a center when Jayson Tatum returns to the lineup.
Queta has quickly become a cornerstone for the Celtics. A graphic shared by analyst Todd Whitehead highlighted Queta’s remarkable performance in rim protection, where he ranks as the seventh-best defender in terms of field goal percentage allowed in the paint, with opponents shooting just 49.7% against him. This statistic positions him ahead of noted defenders like Ivica Zubac, Draymond Green, and Donovan Clingan, underscoring his status as one of the league’s top interior defenders.
In the offseason, Boston faced significant changes in their big man rotation, trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, witnessing Al Horford’s move to the Golden State Warriors, and Luke Kornet signing with the San Antonio Spurs. This left Queta as the focal point of their center position, a role he embraced after limited opportunities with both the Celtics and Sacramento Kings in previous seasons.
Having been given the starting center role, Queta has not only excelled defensively but has also evolved offensively. After struggling with illegal screens in past years, he has become a dependable screener, showcasing an impressive pick-and-roll game. His improved awareness for timing his slips and rolls has led to increased scoring opportunities through lobs and open looks for teammates.
Queta’s rise to being a key player in the starting lineup offers promising prospects for the Celtics, with his defensive prowess shining brightly as a critical asset moving forward. As the team looks to build a championship-caliber squad, Queta’s continued development could be a game-changer for Boston’s ambitions in the coming years.