Most players would panic if a new teammate arrived with a reputation for stealing their minutes. Neemias Queta did the exact opposite. The Celtics center who is rising stated he is “extremely happy I don’t have to go against him anymore because he used to get all these rebounds” rather than fearing for his spot. This reaction flips the script on what fans usually expect when a roster gets deeper.
Queta worked hard last season to become Boston’s top big man. He made a career-high 76 starts and averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, per The Boston Globe. The team even signed him to a four-year, $56 million extension in July to lock him in. According to Celtics Wire, when the Celtics brought in former New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson in free agency this summer, Queta showed zero signs of worry.
A Business Mindset
The NBA moves fast, and players get traded or signed all the time. Queta understands this reality better than most. He noted that “It’s a part of the business, you know?” Per The Boston Globe, this occurred when discussing the recent trade of Jaylen Brown for Paul George and two first-round picks. He admitted it is tough to see a friend go, but he knows the team must stay focused on what they can control.
This mindset helps the whole locker room. Queta stated, “At the end of the day it’s a part of the business and we’ve just got to stay locked in on what we can control and being able to welcome new teammates.” He sees Robinson not as a threat, but as a tool to make the team better. The Celtics also signed Mike Conley during this same free agency push, per The Boston Globe.
Letting Coach Mazzulla Decide
So who plays when? Queta said that is not his job to figure out. “That’s a (Boston head coach) Joe (Mazzulla) thing to figure out,” he stated, according to Celtics Wire. He trusts the head coach to handle the rotation while he focuses on his own growth. Queta said he has been working on different facets of the game to become more versatile and complete.
He wants to make better decisions with the ball, whether passing or taking his own shot. Defensively, he aims to be in the right spots earlier and communicate more. He also wants to space the floor by shooting better. Queta described Robinson as “One of the best rebounders the league has ever seen,” per Celtics Wire. Having a player that accomplished on his side is a massive upgrade for Boston.
Queta is ready to welcome his new teammates with open arms. He said, “I’m out there just welcoming my new teammates (with) open arms.” The goal is simple: win more games. With Robinson on the roster, the Celtics have added a player who can guard multiple positions. Queta believes “Mitchell’s going to be a great addition for us,” per Celtics Wire. The team looks sharper, and Queta looks ready to help them chase another title.
