Nov 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reaches for a rebound between Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and center Neemias Queta (88) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

'He Should be the Prime Beneficiary' – Boston Celtics’ Neemias Queta Predicted to Have a Breakout 2025-26 Campaign

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 12:38 PM ET

As the Boston Celtics enter their gap year, this opens up opportunities for their lesser-heralded players to prove their worth. HoopsHype’s Michael Shearer recently labeled Sam Hauser as the team’s potential breakout candidate this upcoming season, but The Athletic’s Jay King has another player in mind.

King pointed to Neemias Queta as the top candidate because he’ll be tasked with filling in the void left by Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, who all left the Boston Celtics this summer.

“After backing up Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet last season, Queta might be lined up to jump from fourth-string to starter. He should be the prime beneficiary of all of the Celtics’ frontcourt departures,” King wrote.

Oct 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“Queta will have pressure to iron out the inconsistencies that have plagued him early in his career. Despite those, he has been productive inside and on the glass throughout four NBA seasons. With a full season of rotation minutes, don’t be surprised if he finishes near the top of the league leaderboard in offensive rebounding,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Neemias Queta opens up on FIBA EuroBasket run

Neemias Queta competed in this summer’s FIBA EuroBasket, and the Boston Celtics center helped Portugal secure a spot in the Round of 16, where they eventually lost to the finalists, Germany. The 26-year-old slot man left the tournament averaging 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per contest on 19.5 efficiency.

Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket past Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

“After this offseason – having that time off with the surgery and just being out there without playing basketball – I think I rested enough, and I’ve been working on my game ever since,” Queta told Eurohoops. “Keeping on improving the little aspects I needed to put myself in the best position for next year to be a breakout year for me.”

“I think I have got all the tools to go out there and compete with the best… Being ready for 82 games – it’s a lot of games. Just knowing I’ll be playing most nights is going to be big for me,” he added.