Celtics Fans Take Note: Queta’s EuroBasket Momentum Is Real

EuroBasket has been providing a solid reprieve for basketball-starved fans. We've been treated to some high-level hoops, with a few unexpected standouts emerging from the tournament.

I mean, who had Lauri Markkanen dominating for Finland? Or Neemias Queta setting a EuroBasket record on his debut? And that's before we talk about former Celtic turned New York Knick Guerschon Yabusele dropping 36 points against Poland on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Two minor disappointments, at least from my perspective, have been Amari Williams and Hugo Gonzalez not participating in the tournament. I understand opting to stay in Boston, acclimate to the city and work with the coaching staff, but from a selfish standpoint, I would have loved to see how they fared playing against some of the elite European talent on offer.

At least we've had one player to root for, as Queta has stepped into a starring role for the Portuguese national team. In four games – all from the group phase – Queta is averaging 23.7 minutes, 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2 blocks per game.

His per-game numbers look like this:

Queta has shown all the traits of a rim-running big man who can make a genuine two-way impact in the middle of the floor. His size and athleticism have been a viable rim-deterrent. He's shown legitimate timing in getting to the rock to swat away shots without fouling.

On offense, he's screened well, filled his position and embraced a leading role as a key scorer. Interestingly, he's also flashed some skilled footwork, especially when looking to score on the interior.

"Neemy has been getting better every year," Kristaps Porzingis said of Queta after their matchup at EuroBasket. "Coach Mazzulla has been pretty tough on him, and I believe he's getting to a point where he deserves some real minutes, real rotation minutes. He's been putting in the work, and you can see it in how he's playing now in this tournament. I'm happy for Neemy. He's a great dude, really cool person. He puts in the time, he puts in the work, and I'll be glad to see him get a lot more minutes this year."

Queta's Portugal currently sits fifth in Group A, tied with Estonia on points, but having a -14 point difference in points +/- (points scored vs. points allowed). Only the top four teams out of each group will qualify for the knockout stage. As such, Queta will now have some additional pressure on his shoulders, which will undoubtedly be a fantastic learning experience for him ahead of the new NBA season.

Portugal will face Estonia later today in their final group game — a straight-up win-or-go-home scenario. By the time you’re reading this, Queta’s EuroBasket could either be over, or entering its biggest chapter yet.

Either way, it’s a defining test for him — the kind of pressure moment Boston will want to see him handle before stepping into a bigger role this season.

Regardless of how things play out over in Latvia, Queta's stock has undoubtedly risen. I came into the EuroBasket tournament highly skeptical of what Queta can bring as Boston's starting big man. Not because I don't think he's capable, but because from what we've seen of him during his time in Boston, it's clear that he's still a work in progress.

He looks like he’s taken a real developmental jump this summer. Defensively, he’s calmer, making better reads, and holding his ground instead of biting on every feint. Offensively, he’s handled the expanded role in stride.

Of course, the NBA talent level will be a step up from EuroBasket, so these improvements will be tested — but right now, the growth is clear.

However, we can only judge based on what we've seen so far, and in that aspect, he's shone. As Celtics fans, we can feel a little more confident in him stepping into the starting center role next season, at which point, it's his position to lose.

"Starter? Good question," Porzingis said. "Who else is there? Honestly, I haven't really thought about their roster."

Luka Garza and Chris Boucher are the other potential bigs – both of whom may also find some minutes at the four, especially Boucher. Oh, and if the Celtics wanted to go super small, Xavier Tillman could be another option at the five...

Queta has a golden opportunity this season. And while he may not be a genuine starting-caliber center heading into the new campaign, his current rate of development could mean he's at the point by the end of the season.

EuroBasket has been the ideal warm-up for the 7-foot big man. Regardless of what happens today, he's (eventually) heading back to Boston with some legitimate momentum behind him. That can only be a good thing.

And while Yabusele turned heads and Lauri put Finland on his back, for Celtics fans, EuroBasket has been Queta’s clearest proof yet that he can hang.

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