Neemias Queta earned the first start of his career for the Celtics on Monday in Atlanta. He finished with 10-points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one block. It was good enough to finish as a game-high +31 in 23 minutes.

Queta has a role on this team that only he can provide and one that Boston hasn’t seen from the position since Robert Williams. His ability to get put-backs and create second chance opportunities is invaluable for this team.

What’s great about Queta’s production is that it’s on both ends of the court when it comes to rebounding. He has 40 total rebounds, 19 on offense and 21 on defense.

With Queta playing with the starting lineup- Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White- the Celtics are a +19.5 points and +10.7 in rebounds in seven minutes this season. 

It’s also worth noting that the Celtics are a +45.4 points, +7.4 assists, +12.9 total rebound percentage, and +4.2 steals in 88 minutes this season with Queta and Derrick White on the court, per Basketball Reference.

Queta provides an offensive presence similar to what Robert Williams brought to the table, although Williams was a better passer, Queta is able to offer an above the rim threat that is a secret weapon for this team.

In Atlanta on Monday, we saw Queta guarding Trae Young and he did well. Then in the next game on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, Queta switched on defense multiple times from Steph Curry to Draymond Green, going back and forth while doing so and doing well with it.

Queta’s ability as a rim protector is invaluable and an element that this team doesn’t really have right now while Kristaps Porzingis is out with injury. It’s likely that he will work into the backup role when Porzingis eventually does return.

What’s been great about Queta is that he’s a fast learner that can learn from his mistakes quickly. He process the game fast and it’s great to see in real time from Queta against teams like the Warriors.

In the last five games, Queta has scored 42-points, grabbed 33 rebounds, and blocked four shots while shooting 19-of-30 (63.3%) from the field in this span.

All of Queta’s offensive scoring production is from just under the basket and being active on put-back opportunities. In fact, the first play of the game on Wednesday against the Warriors was a lob to Queta from Jrue Holiday.

As Queta gets more in tune with playing with the Celtics, his teammates are starting to look for him more often than not and utilizing his talent to Boston’s advantage.

Queta should see his role continue to increase as the season progresses forward.

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Photo Credit: Brian Babineau, NBAE Getty Images