Boston entered the season questioning its depth at center, but Neemias Queta has quieted those concerns with a career-best campaign. The 24-year-old posted 19 points, 10 rebounds and a plus-33 rating in Friday’s victory over Milwaukee, underscoring his growing impact.
“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t be more proud and happy for Neemy,” Jayson Tatum said after the game. “He is an NBA starting big man now, and he’s only going to get better.”
Starting Role After Off-Season Departures
Queta had logged just six career starts across four seasons before stepping in for Al Horford and Luke Kornet, who left in free agency, and Kristaps Porzingis, traded in a cost-cutting move. Through 72 games, he is averaging 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while playing 25.4 minutes per night. His development has helped Boston secure the East’s second-best record.
“At the beginning of the year we didn’t trust him as much,” Derrick White admitted. “Now, every time we throw it to him, we expect the right read. He’s got confidence, and we all believe in him.”
Mazzulla Downplays Award Buzz
Head coach Joe Mazzulla recently called Coach of the Year “a stupid award,” yet guard Payton Pritchard believes his boss deserves the honor. Mazzulla is viewed as a leading candidate alongside Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff.
“He’s a competitor,” Pritchard said. “He changed things up this year, turning film sessions into more of a classroom setting so we could learn through all the ups and downs.”
Vucevic Targeting Sunday Return
Nikola Vucevic, sidelined since March 6 with a fractured finger, is aiming to rejoin the lineup Sunday afternoon against Toronto. Acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline, the 35-year-old managed only 12 games before surgery. If cleared, he is expected to reclaim the primary backup center role from Luka Garza.
Vucevic is finishing a $21.4 million expiring contract and will play for his next deal upon returning. League sources told MassLive that his 2026-27 salary could dip to less than half that figure. Boston might explore a low-cost, one-year offer if he excels in the postseason, though the front office is also evaluating younger trade targets to stay below the luxury-tax threshold.
Source: Hoops Rumors
