The NBA offseason brought seismic shifts for the Boston Celtics, with the departure of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks for the 2025-2026 season marking a new chapter for the franchise. While the move was anticipated, it has opened the door for an unlikely candidate to emerge as a key piece in Boston’s frontcourt: Neemias Queta, a 26-year-old big man who could be the Celtics’ next breakout star.
Porzingis, now watching from afar, recently weighed in on his former team’s roster during EuroBasket media sessions. When asked about Queta potentially stepping into a starting role, the Latvian star admitted he hadn’t dissected Boston’s depth chart in detail. “Good question,” Porzingis said with a laugh. “Who else is there? I don’t know. I haven’t thought about their roster, honestly, too deep.”
While he may not have a firm grasp on the Celtics’ lineup, Porzingis was quick to praise Queta’s growth. “Neemi has been getting better each year, and Coach Mazzulla has been pretty tough on him,” he noted. “I believe he’s getting to a point where he deserves some real minutes, some real rotation minutes. He’s been putting in the work, and you can see how he’s playing now in the tournament. I’m happy for Neemi. He’s a great, great dude, really cool person, and puts in the time.”
Queta’s journey to this moment has been one of persistence. A former second-round pick (39th overall) by the Sacramento Kings in 2021 out of Utah State, Queta showed promise in college, averaging 13 points, nine rebounds, and two assists on an impressive 59 percent shooting over three seasons as a starter. However, his early NBA career was limited, with just 20 appearances across two seasons in Sacramento.
Two years ago, Queta joined the Celtics on a two-way contract, a move that gave him a fresh start. During Boston’s 2023-2024 championship run, his role was modest, averaging 11.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games with no postseason action. Last season, however, Queta took a step forward, appearing in 62 games and averaging 13.9 minutes, contributing five points and 3.8 rebounds per game. His steady improvement has positioned him as a potential starter as the Celtics head into training camp.
Queta’s recent performances at EuroBasket have only amplified the buzz. Representing Portugal, he’s been a force, averaging 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, and two blocks over four games. His dominance on the international stage has showcased his potential to fill the void left by Porzingis, offering rim protection, rebounding, and a growing offensive game.
The Celtics’ frontcourt isn’t without competition. Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, and Chris Boucher are all vying for minutes, but Queta’s youth, work ethic, and recent EuroBasket breakout make him a compelling option. With less pressure on Boston to repeat as champions, this could be the perfect season for Queta to prove he’s more than a role player.