Many Indiana Pacers fans aren't too familiar with Neemias Queta. But even so, he is teaching the team a valuable lesson this season that they can't ignore.
In a lot of ways, the Pacers and Boston Celtics find themselves in similar situations. They have both been two of the most successful Eastern Conference teams over the past couple of seasons. But now, they are each in the midst of a "gap year" as their star player (who both happen to wear the No. 0... interesting), recovers from an Achilles injury.
Furthermore, both teams are asking for many players to step up with bigger roles and greater opportunities, especially at center.
For the Pacers, who lost Myles Turner in free agency, it's Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley, and Jay Huff. For the Celtics, who lost Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, it's Queta.
One team is seeing some real positive results from their new center situation, and one is not (hint: the Pacers are the second one).
Neemias Queta is stepping up in a major way for the Celtics
Queta appeared in a combined 90 games in his first two seasons in Boston, making six starts and averaging 13.3 minutes. He also appeared in a combined seven games in their last two playoff runs (which includes not logging a single minute during the Celtics' conference finals matchup with the Pacers in 2024).
This season? He has started all 14 games for the Celtics and is making the most out of his opportunity.
On the year so far, the Portuguese native is averaging 9.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.4 BPG in 24.6 MPG. All of these numbers are career-highs for Queta, who is also leading the team with a 61.6 FG%.
Are these numbers jaw-dropping? No, but they tell a story. The Celtics needed Queta to step up, take on a significantly bigger role following the departures of their three top big men, and perform. And to this point, he has done exactly that. He looks improved in every area, especially defensively. Queta has always been a solid rim protector, but would often struggle once he was outside of the paint. And his positioning wasn't great regardless of where he was, often leading to players sneaking past him for an easy bucket.
While he still has his moments, the 26-year-old is looking like a legitimate asset in Boston. And he should be in line for a consistent role even after this season, regardless of whether he is a starter or backup for the Celtics.
So why is all of this relevant to the Pacers? Because they are quickly learning that, while Boston has done a great job of identifying a potential hidden gem, Indiana has struggled to do that. And it may haunt them way past this season.
Jackson, Huff, and Bradley have all either been inconsistent or outright bad for the Pacers this season. Finding a Turner replacement has proven to be even more difficult than the team expected, and it's showing. They are 1-13 this season, and their center situation is leaving a lot to be desired. Nobody is stepping up and solidifying themselves as a legitimate starter for the future.
The Celtics and Pacers are both looking to re-establish themselves as title contenders sooner rather than later. But at this rate, Boston may have a much easier run at it given its developments and Queta's emergence.