Midseason NBA Analysis | Boston Celtics and 2 keys: Neemias Queta and Jayson Tatum
We have reached the midway point of the 2025/26 NBA season and we want to highlight a couple of surprising Celtics stats
Boston Celtics reach the midpoint of the season with a clear conclusion at the center position: Neemias Queta has shown starting caliber in the NBA.
The summer departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, whether through trades or free agency, left a significant void in the paint. Faced with that scenario, the franchise entrusted Queta, a 26-year-old, to take on a much more prominent role. The response from the Portuguese big man has been positive from the outset.
With Queta on the court, Boston improves its performance by 5.4 points per 100 possessions, an impact particularly noticeable on the defensive end. In fact, the Celtics' defense with him on the floor would have numbers equivalent to the second-best record in the league. His presence has brought solidity near the rim and continuity to a team that has managed to stay competitive during the first half of the season.
Furthermore, Queta holds a historic place as the first player born in Portugal to play games in the NBA. This context adds significance to a season where his role has notably expanded, particularly in a stretch marked by Jayson Tatum's injury absence.
NBA Market
His progression has not gone unnoticed in league circles. A Western Conference scout told ESPN that he views Queta as a starting center, emphasizing that he meets all the expectations for that position. In a roster rebuilding its interior roles, the Portuguese player has become a key piece in Boston's immediate future.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Análisis midseason NBA | Boston Celtics y 2 claves: Neemias Queta y Jayson Tatum