Boston Celtics big man’s evolution exceeding expectations

BOSTON — There was no literally bigger question mark coming into this season than the Celtics’ big man rotation. But through the opening 15 games of the year, Neemias Queta has been a pleasant surprise with his impressive play.

Queta’s defense has been fully on display as he’s tied for first in the NBA in defensive at 98.9 with the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren. His plus-18.3 net rating is also the best among Boston’s rotation players. Queta was the expected starter at center coming into the season. But his evolution has exceeded expectations, and he’s still seemingly on the upswing.

“We’re getting so much better and more purposeful in our actions and figuring out how we can attack teams,” Queta said. “It’s a big difference from the beginning of the year to immediately. I think it’s a second nature for us to figure out how we can attack other teams’ guys and how we can be the best version of ourselves. With time and building up I think we’re on the right path and we just want to keep on improving because we’ve still got room to grow.”

The Celtics lost three of their centers in Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet from last year’s roster. Each guy had their own strengths, making up one of the deepest big man rotations in the league. Queta had his own success last year, playing in a career-high 62 games and showing stretches of consistency.

But the level he’s playing at is promising for the future. Queta is averaging 9.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game — all career-best marks. He’s signed through the 2026-27 season, meaning he’s under team control for the short-term. That’s not bad for a big who was originally signed to a two-way offer.

The Celtics have gotten spotty play at the backup big man spot. Luka Garza has absorbed most of those minutes. Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher have fallen out of the rotation in the past few weeks. Garza plays hard and has put up stats, though he can be more consistent on a nightly basis.

Regardless, Queta is looking like a clear part of the future going forward. That means more work to stay ready every season. He’s played and started every single game this year, meaning the team is relying on him to be healthy and available. It’s another part of his evolution as he enjoys a breakout season.

“Just making sure you’re more locked in in the weight room, just trying to keep getting stronger, taking care of your body, getting treatment with the guys, going and getting cold tub sessions and saunas — all that stuff really adds up,“ Queta said. ”We’re not even a quarter of the way into the season and you see a lot of injuries happening in the league and you’re just trying to be on leading of your stuff as best as you can and you’ll be more prepared for the rest of the year.”