The Boston Celtics have cemented themselves as a formidable force in the NBA with a stellar 64-win regular season, followed by a dominant playoff performance that saw them go 16-3 to capture the championship. A critical component of their success has been their remarkable proficiency beyond the arc. The Celtics achieved one of the highest totals of 3-pointers made in NBA history, trailing only two teams in this prestigious category. Despite this prowess, they ranked 21st all-time in 3-point shooting percentage, highlighting a fascinating dynamic between volume and efficiency.
However, the Celtics' game is far from one-dimensional. While their shooting from distance has garnered significant attention, their lower ranking of 27th in points in the paint suggests room for growth in that area. Yet, it's in this realm of potential improvement that newcomer Neemias Queta is beginning to make his mark.
Neemias Queta: A Rising Star
Neemias Queta, a second-round pick who joined the Celtics on a two-way contract, has started to show promising signs early in the season. In just 97 minutes over the Celtics' first seven games, Queta already ranked 33rd in the league for dunks, attesting to his explosive athleticism. His standout performance came in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, where he notched four dunks within a 28-minute span, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds. His efforts against the Warriors didn’t go unnoticed, as he finished with a team-best plus-13 point differential.
This impressive net performance underscores Queta's potential impact on the court. With a net rating of plus-22.7 over 125 minutes this season, he is making a strong case for his continued presence in the rotation. Further adding to his resume is a superior dunk rate compared to teammate Luke Kornet, showcasing his efficiency and presence in the paint.
The Celtics' Strategic Investment
Recognizing Queta's raw talent and developmental potential, the Celtics have invested $2.2 million into his growth. This investment is not just monetary but symbolic of their belief in his ability to contribute significantly to the team's future success. With Queta's physical traits and the budding skill set he's already displayed, Boston’s investment seems poised to pay dividends as the season progresses.
Queta's emergence comes at a crucial time for the Celtics, as they look to diversify their offensive options and increase their scoring output inside the paint. If he continues on this trajectory, Queta could become a key piece in balancing the Celtics' dynamic attack—providing essential interior scoring to complement their already potent perimeter game.
As the season unfolds, Queta’s role and contributions will likely become a pivotal storyline for the Celtics. His development could very well determine just how far this team can sustain and build upon its recent success. If his early performances are any indication, both Celtics fans and the broader NBA community have much to look forward to in the coming months.