Boston Celtics’ Neemias Queta (88) shoots over New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in New York.
The Celtics will be shorthanded in the frontcourt for the first time this season on Monday after a late addition to the team’s injury report against the Wizards. Two-way center Neemias Queta was ruled out by the team on Monday morning due to a sore foot. Boston had a clean injury report for their first two games of the year.
Queta has yet to play in a game for the Celtics during the regular season but was a surprise bright spot during the preseason. He averaged 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in three appearances while shooting 86.7 percent from the field.
That type of play makes him a candidate to play off the bench on nights when Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are inactive moving forward. He made a good impression with coach Joe Mazzulla during training camp.
“He’s gotten better and better every day since he’s been with us,” Mazzulla said earlier this month. “Just his ability to pick up on our defensive schemes for a guy like him is the most important thing. I thought he saw great strides in what we’re asking for him defensively.”
When healthy, Queta should compete for minutes against Luke Kornet as a more traditional center off the bench. Boston could also elect to play smaller in games without their top-6 bigs by going with an athletic forward like Oshae Brissett more. However, Queta could give the team a bigger rim-running threat in those spots.
“The ability to play on the offensive end is huge,” Mazzulla said of Queta. “To think, to pass, to screen, to maneuver. I really like his growth. Our staff has done a great job developing him since he’s been here.”
Queta’s next chance to suit up will be on Wednesday night when the Celtics host the Pacers at TD Garden.
