The Boston Celtics have officially signed center Neemias Queta to a standard contract. Queta was initially with the team on a two-way contract after signing in the offseason. Because of his contract status, the big man spent time with both the main roster and the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. Although Queta’s contract details are not known yet, Brian Robb of Mass Live is reporting the team signed Queta to a multi-year contract:
Details of the contract were not disclosed per team policy but a league source told MassLive that the agreement is for multiple years.
With Boston, Queta has played in 26 games. In those games, the former Sacramento Kings draft pick has averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 rebounds over 11.4 minutes per game. With Maine, however, Queta has been much more impressive. Despite only playing eight games with the G League team, Queta averaged 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. Furthermore, the Portuguese native recorded 16 points on 8-for-9 shooting and 19 rebounds in Maine’s Eastern Conference Finals.
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Why Neemias Queta is a Good Signing for Boston
Although he has only played spotty minutes with Boston, Queta has showcased his potential. This was especially true when he recorded a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench against the Los Angeles Clippers in December. After the game, Queta talked about his breakout performance:
“This is what I’ve been pretty much waiting on,” Queta said of his increased role. “Being ready for these type of moments. I had two years to do that. And whenever it is my turn, just be ready and everything works itself out. With time, the game’s just been slowing down for me and I’m getting more comfortable on the court.”
He has his flaws, but Queta has proven he can become a relentless defender and reliable scorer in the paint. There were times when he looked a bit lost on defense. However, Queta has the energy and athleticism to become at least a solid defender in the league. Furthermore, he is only 24 years old and has looked better with each opportunity.
Additionally, it is important to note that backup centers Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are unrestricted free agents this offseason. Though it’s likely the team brings one, if not both, back, signing Queta to a multi-year deal is good insurance.
The Last Word on Neemias Queta
Though he’s eligible to play in the playoffs, it’s unlikely Queta will crack the team’s playoff rotation. However, with less than a week remaining on the season, it will be worth watching if Queta will get increased playing time before the postseason. With a 62-16 record, the Celtics have long clinched the best record in the NBA. For the last set of games, it may be smart to throw Queta out there as an audition of sorts. And for what it’s worth, it appears Queta has a fan in head coach Joe Mazzulla:
“I just like seeing Neemy [Queta] be physical,” Mazzulla added of last season’s G-League MVP runner-up. “The presence that he’s playing with on the floor — he’s one of those kids, he doesn’t understand how good he can be.”
