A surprising development has emerged from the Boston Celtics’ offseason, with veteran big man Neemias Queta reportedly undergoing significant knee surgery. This procedure, which remained under wraps until a recent report by Bobby Manning of Celtics on CLNS, casts a new light on the team’s preparations, especially given Queta’s unexpected potential elevation to a starting role for the upcoming season.
Details reveal that Queta’s procedure was a scope performed to clean up his left knee, an intervention he underwent discreetly following Boston’s elimination from the playoffs by the New York Knicks in a grueling six-game series. The timing of this surgery, just after the intensity of postseason basketball, suggests a necessary step for the young center’s long-term health and performance.
This makes Queta the third key player from the Celtics’ championship-winning roster to undergo a surgical procedure since the conclusion of the regular season. He follows in the footsteps of six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum, who recently had Achilles tendon repair, and four-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, who also underwent a knee procedure. Such a string of medical interventions highlights the physical toll of a deep playoff run and raises questions about the team’s overall health heading into training camp.
Last season, Queta, standing at seven feet tall, showcased glimpses of his potential, averaging 5.0 points on an efficient 65 percent shooting from the field and 75.4 percent from the free throw line. Across 62 games, including six starts, he also contributed 3.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists in an average of 13.9 minutes. Despite being reduced to a non-rotation piece during the playoffs, with just 3.3 minutes per game in four cameo appearances, his regular season performance suggested readiness for a larger role.
The current state of the Celtics roster presents a significant opportunity for Neemias Queta to ascend into a starting role, a dramatic shift for a player who was considered a fourth-stringer just last season. This unexpected opening is primarily due to a substantial roster turnover, particularly in the frontcourt, which has created a vacuum at the center position.
The Celtics’ strategic moves this offseason have directly paved the way for Queta’s potential promotion. The team opted to trade away their formidable starting center, Kristaps Porzingis, a move that immediately opened up a crucial spot. Furthermore, the decision to let third-string backup Luke Kornet walk in free agency and seemingly allow veteran big Al Horford to depart as a free agent has further thinned the center rotation.
With these departures, the path is now clear for Queta to legitimately compete for the starting job. His main competition for this pivotal role will come from fellow returning big Xavier Tillman and new free agent signing Luka Garza. This competition promises to be a focal point of the upcoming training camp, as the team looks to solidify its starting five.
The prospect of Neemias Queta becoming the Boston Celtics’ starting center marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. His ability to anchor the defense, contribute on the boards, and provide efficient scoring will be crucial for the team’s ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching his recovery and subsequent performance, as his unexpected rise could significantly influence the Celtics’ pursuit of another championship title in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
