NBA analyst predicts breakout season for Celtics’ 7-footer in new role

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen on the court beofre the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics sport a new-look roster entering the 2025-26 campaign, and they’ll need several players to step up to remain competitive without Jayson Tatum, 

Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, prompting a retooling effort amid financial constraints — and potentially a year without the superstar. Boston traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis this offseason, while Al Horford signed with the Golden State Warriors and Luke Kornet joined the San Antonio Spurs in free agency. 

Now, with a relatively unproven frontcourt, the Celtics will need multiple players to take significant leaps to remain in the mix. Boston’s center group, in particular, carries question marks heading into the regular season, though a fifth-year 7-footer could provide an answer. 

MORE: Ex-Celtic Al Horford reveals why he left Boston for Golden State

Neemias Queta named Celtics' breakout candidate

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report recently identified a player on every team poised to make the “biggest leap” in the 2025-26 campaign, tabbing Neemias Queta as the Celtics’ breakout candidate. 

“He’ll go up and get lobs most can’t, and his motor will earn the Celtics loads of extra possessions on the offensive boards,” he wrote. “Never more than a journeyman and G League star in the past, Queta is going to emerge as a legitimate starter and finish the season as Boston’s best big man.” 

Queta appeared in a career-high 62 regular-season games last season after playing just 47 total over his first three years in the league. With Porzingis, Horford and Kornet out of the picture, Queta now has a clear path to increased playing time. 

The 26-year-old center averaged 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 65.0 percent from the field across 13.9 minutes per game last season. Per 36 minutes, those numbers jump to 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. 

While Queta hasn’t shown he can space the floor like Boston's previous bigs, he’s an extremely efficient scorer near the rim and can create consistent second-chance opportunities for the team. Finishing as Boston’s best big man shouldn’t be an overwhelming challenge alongside Luka Garza and Chris Boucher, but if Queta can emerge as a legitimate starting option this year, he could carve out more of a long-term role in Boston beyond this season.

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