CelticsBlog exit interview: Celtics center Neemias Queta

How would you characterize Neemias Queta’s 2024–2025 Celtics season? Effectively, there are each optimistic and adverse points to debate. The previous Utah State College huge man had a combined bag of a season and we’re right here to dive into it..

General, I might say Queta had a good displaying; he displayed indicators of development however left a good bit unanswered, which could have some followers questioning the long-term match.

Firstly, his shiny spots have been typically very shiny for Boston. Queta general will get a passing grade for his hustle performs and vitality on the ground. The 25-year-old Queta is growing this uncanny talent at chasing down blocks and offering thunderous dunks, which function among the most memorable performs of the 12 months.

In distinction to his 24-game efficiency from the earlier season, Queta has demonstrated to Celtics supporters his offensive rebounding prowess and skill to create second-chance alternatives for the crew, which has additionally translated into an unimaginable really feel for tip-ins and follow-up dunks.

Queta presents an enormous, robust physique for Coach Mazzulla; he has additionally performed nicely towards some robust Western Convention opponents for Boston. His greatest sport of the season was in a 12-point, 9-rebound, 4-block, and 3-assist residence win over the LA Clippers. Queta additionally had a stellar displaying on November sixth towards the Warriors, dropping 14 factors, blocking 2 photographs, and nabbing 8 rebounds.

For all the nice although, got here some extra turbulent showings in his 69 sport appearances. Queta discovered himself benched at instances all through the season resulting from his poor decision-making in video games, which regularly adopted two or three standout performances. The Queta expertise included dangerous defensive positioning, overhelping in some conditions, lacking rotations, making successive silly fouls, and the poorly timed turnovers.

Queta must work on passing out of the low block, restrict his shifting screens and be taught to not be so keen on opposing groups head fakes. Most followers suppose Queta defensive determination making, over zealous propensity to rack up fast fouls.

Joe Mazzulla can throw the bigger framed Queta at opposing stronger huge man, like an Embiid or Edey. Neemias has additionally proven good footwork to chase down gamers from behind if he will get caught flat-footed. He’s an affordable, serviceable insurance coverage piece for Boston who can begin the occasional sport when the crew is in harm hassle.

Queta’s function on the crew may very nicely be broadened subsequent season, particularly if we see Luke Kornet depart in the summertime and Al Horford retire. Queta will possible stick in Boston subsequent season as a bench physique, more than likely alongside a rookie heart, as Boston’s frontcourt ought to look pretty completely different subsequent season. His put up sport is growing and he ought to prioritise engaged on each his footwork and refining that hook shot.

Queta is all the time a lob menace at any time when he’s on the court docket particularly with the likes of Tatum, Brown and White on the court docket. Suppose, Rob Williams lite sans the passing skill. Boston will search for Queta to take one other leap ahead in his growth subsequent season, hopefully he is able to go and takes the time in Summer time to hone his sport.