The Boston Celtics are no strangers to shaking things up, but this season’s frontcourt overhaul has fans buzzing with intrigue. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a devastating Achilles injury and veterans Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet out of the picture, the race for the starting center spot is wide open. Enter Neemias Queta, the 7-foot dark horse who’s emerged as head coach Joe Mazzulla’s top pick to anchor the paint. Facing competition from undersized big Xavier Tillman, free agent Chris Boucher, and backup Luka Garza, Queta’s rise is turning heads in Beantown. As the defending champs gear up for a title defense without their All-NBA star, let’s dive into why Queta’s leading the charge, how the competition stacks up, and what this means for Boston’s quest for Banner 19. Celtics Nation, grab your green gear—this center battle is heating up!
The Case for Neemias Queta: A New Anchor in the Paint
Neemias Queta, a 25-year-old former second-round pick, wasn’t on many radars entering the 2025-26 season, but Mazzulla’s trust in him is changing that fast. At 7 feet tall, Queta brings the size Boston desperately needs after losing their veteran bigs. His performance in a shocking 107-105 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers—where the Celtics blew a double-digit lead—showed both promise and growing pains. In 17 minutes, Queta scored four points on efficient 2-of-3 shooting, grabbed five rebounds, blocked a shot, and nabbed a steal. However, his team-high five turnovers highlighted the rawness that comes with his limited NBA experience (59 games over three seasons).
Despite the miscues, Queta’s physical tools make him a fit for Boston’s system. His 7-foot frame and 7-foot-4 wingspan clog the paint, offering rim protection (1.0 blocks per game in limited 2024-25 minutes) that the Celtics’ smaller lineups crave. Offensively, he’s a lob threat who can finish above the rim, complementing Jaylen Brown’s drives and Derrick White’s playmaking. Brian Robb of MassLive pegs Queta as the clubhouse leader, noting his edge over Tillman for the starting role due to his size and defensive upside. With Tatum out until at least March, Boston needs a center who can hold down the fort alongside Brown, and Queta’s ability to battle bigger opponents—like Portland’s Deandre Ayton—gives him the nod. His two-way contract last season (5.0 points, 4.4 rebounds in 11.8 minutes) showed flashes of potential, and Mazzulla’s decision to start him in the preseason suggests a belief he can handle 20-25 minutes nightly.
The Competition: Tillman, Garza, and Boucher Make Their Case
Queta’s not running away with the job just yet—Boston’s depth chart is loaded with contenders. Xavier Tillman, a 6-foot-7 bruiser at 26, brings grit and versatility from his time with Memphis and Boston. In the Portland game, he logged 19 minutes, grabbing four rebounds, dishing two assists, and swiping two steals, but went 0-for-2 from the field for zero points. Across two preseason games, Tillman’s averaging a modest 3.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 21 minutes. His hustle and switchable defense fit Boston’s identity, but his lack of size and scoring punch—especially against true centers—makes him a better fit as a backup or small-ball four. Robb notes it’s “hard to envision” Tillman logging heavy minutes at center, especially in double-big lineups, given his offensive limitations.
Luka Garza, the first backup off the bench against Portland, made a louder case. In 17 minutes, the 6-foot-10 Iowa product dropped 12 points on 3-of-7 shooting (6-of-7 from the free-throw line), grabbed six rebounds, dished two assists, and nabbed a steal. His preseason averages are eye-catching: 11.0 points on 50% field-goal shooting and 75% from the line, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 blocks in just 16.8 minutes. Garza’s scoring touch and relentless energy on the glass give him an edge as a bench spark, but his defensive foot speed and lack of elite rim protection limit his ceiling as a starter. Still, his ability to stretch the floor (35.5% from three last season) could make him a fan favorite if he keeps producing.
Then there’s Chris Boucher, the 6-foot-9 free agent signing who’s turning heads at 32. Against Toronto, Mazzulla started Boucher at power forward, and he delivered a statement: 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting (2-of-5 from three, 3-of-4 from the line), nine rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal in 23 minutes. Across two preseason games, Boucher’s averaging 15.0 points on 52.6% field-goal shooting, 27.3% from three, and 77.8% from the line, plus 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. His athleticism, scoring versatility, and defensive activity make him a dark horse, but his start at power forward suggests Mazzulla sees him as a multi-positional weapon rather than a true center. Boucher’s experience (six NBA seasons) and career-best preseason form could earn him significant minutes, especially if he keeps outshining Tillman and Garza.
Why Queta Stands Out in a Crowded Field
Queta’s edge boils down to size and fit. At 7 feet, he’s the only true center among the contenders, giving Boston a much-needed answer to the NBA’s elite bigs. Tillman’s undersized frame struggles against the likes of Nikola Jokić or Joel Embiid, while Garza’s defensive limitations make him a liability in starting lineups. Boucher’s versatility is a weapon, but his 6-foot-9 frame and power forward role against Toronto suggest he’s better suited as a Swiss Army knife off the bench. Queta’s ability to anchor the paint defensively and finish lobs offensively aligns with Mazzulla’s switch-heavy, pace-and-space system. His turnovers (2.5 per game in the preseason) are a concern, but with Boston’s high-IQ guards like White and Jrue Holiday (before his departure), Queta’s rawness can be mitigated.
The Celtics’ 61-22 regular season and 2024 championship run leaned heavily on frontcourt depth, but Tatum’s absence and the loss of Porzingis, Horford, and Kornet have forced a rebuild. Queta’s two-way flashes last season—5.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 blocks in limited minutes—hint at untapped potential. His 7-foot-4 wingspan and improving instincts (1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks in the preseason) make him a rim-protecting presence Boston hasn’t had since Robert Williams. Mazzulla’s faith in starting him against Portland, despite the loss, signals a long-term investment in his growth, especially as the Celtics aim to stay atop the East (projected 52.5 wins, per FanDuel).
Risks and Challenges Ahead
Queta’s not a lock yet. His turnover issues—five against Portland—point to a need for better decision-making, especially in high-pressure moments. Boston’s offense, ranked fourth in efficiency last season (118.1 points per 100 possessions), thrives on ball movement, and Queta’s 0.5 assists per game in the preseason lag behind Boucher’s and Garza’s playmaking. Tillman’s defensive tenacity and Boucher’s scoring pop could steal minutes if Queta falters, and Garza’s bench production might force Mazzulla to experiment with double-big lineups. Without Tatum until March, Boston’s 2-2 preseason record and shaky loss to Portland expose vulnerabilities—particularly in closing games (they’ve blown two double-digit leads). Queta must prove he can handle 25+ minutes against starting-caliber centers to cement his role.
Queta’s Time to Shine
The Celtics’ center battle is more than a roster decision—it’s a glimpse into Boston’s title defense without their superstar. Neemias Queta’s emergence as the favorite signals Mazzulla’s bet on size and potential, but Tillman, Garza, and Boucher are keeping the pressure on. As the 2025-26 season looms, Queta’s 7-foot frame and defensive instincts could anchor a retooled frontcourt, setting the stage for Jaylen Brown to carry the load until Tatum returns. For Celtics fans, this is a chance to rally behind an underdog who’s ready to prove himself. Will Queta lock down the starting spot, or can Boucher or Garza steal the show? Drop your takes below, Celtics Nation—let’s talk about who’s ready to lead the green in the paint!