Neemias Queta is not just a big body in the paint. He is the engine driving the Celtics’ best offensive runs right now. While fans watch the stars shoot, Queta is doing the dirty work that creates those open looks. According to Hardwood Houdini, Queta has executed more individual flare screens than all but eight teams in the entire NBA. That is a wild stat for one player who has only played 218 minutes so far this season.
The numbers show why Boston cannot win without him. When Queta sits on the bench, the team’s offensive rating drops to 112.3, a number that barely cracks the top 20 in the league. But when he is on the floor, that rating skyrockets to 127.5, which is the best mark in the NBA by a wide margin. He creates space for everyone else with a relentless motor and a big, athletic frame. He does not need to shoot to make the offense work.
The Screen Setter Stats
Queta has 59 flare screens so far this season. Nekias Duncan of Yahoo! Sports pointed out on Monday that this activity level is nonstop. He races around the court to knock defenders off their spots and free up teammates for open shots or cuts. This constant movement makes it hard for opposing defenses to stay attached to the real scoring threats like Jayson Tatum or Paul George. The Celtics are winning because they force teams to chase Queta all over the floor.
More Than Just Defense
Most people only talk about Queta as a defensive anchor, and that is fair. He is an elite rim protector who sits alongside names like Rudy Gobert as one of the top three in the league. However, his offensive value is just as real and just as important. This season, he has already surpassed the three-point total from the remainder of his career. This adds a new layer that makes it even harder for teams to adjust to his presence.
Should opponents begin to recognize his screening, Queta possesses other methods to damage them. He is capable of cutting toward the ball to become a rim-finishing option. Watching this development is enjoyable, and it seems the Celtics offense has merely begun. As Queta grows more comfortable, additional opportunities should emerge for every other roster member. Queta is a major factor in Boston outscoring opponents by 107 points across their first 10 games.
