Holding Down the Paint: Celtics Role Players’ Future at Center
With Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis gone, the Celtics frontcourt has more questions than answers. Neemias Queta now finds himself in a defining role, holding down the paint for a franchise trying to rebuild itself. Queta now has the chance to prove he can be something more. While already a role player, he may have the opportunity to become the anchor Boston needs, both this season and beyond.
Originally drafted as a two-way player, he spent his early seasons providing energy and rim protection with limited minutes. His length, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him the perfect fit in the Boston system. However, this season isn’t just about filling minutes; Queta has to work on rebounding, protecting the rim, setting screens, and finishing around the basket in order to help define his value. However, Queta also has to work to maintain consistency, giving one of the Celtics’ leaders, Jaylen Brown, the interior support he needs to thrive.
While Queta enters the season with a golden opportunity, nothing is guaranteed. The battle is about carving out a role that only he can fill, as Boston’s frontcourt rotation also features new additions Chris Boucher and Luka Garza, both of whom bring different strengths to the table. His size, rim protection, and rebounding make him the most natural paint presence of the group. His presence is one thing, though; the real challenge is to stay disciplined on defense while contributing to offense.
On an international stage, Queta’s summer with Portugal at EuroBasket 2025 showed he could hold his own in high-pressure games, matching up against some of Europe’s best players. Facing quicker guards, stretch bigs, and physical post players forced him to adapt on the fly, sharpening skills that translate directly to the NBA. Now, he needs to make sure he brings that growth back to Boston! For Neemias Queta, the 2025–2026 season is more than just another chapter in his career; it’s a defining opportunity. Boston doesn’t need him to become a star overnight; every night will be a proving ground, but they do need him to provide stability and make his minutes count. If he rises to the challenge, this season could establish him as a long-term cornerstone in Boston’s future.
