Center Neemias Queta’s value to Celtics increases with every performance

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Neemias Queta has played nearly as many minutes in his first two months with the Celtics as he did in his first two seasons as a two-way player with the Sacramento Kings. The Kings released the raw but active Queta in order to sign the ageing JaVale McGee as their backup centre.

While Queta played 19 minutes and grabbed eight rebounds against Sacramento on Wednesday, McGee saw only garbage time for the Kings as Boston had already secured victory by the third quarter.

Queta’s worth to the Celtics grows with each performance. And on Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena, he saw significant playing time with Kristaps Porzingis out with a sprained ankle and thrived.

Queta should be the Celtics’ backup centre at this point. He had 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and improved his defence as Boston defeated the Clippers, 145-108, in one of the season’s most dominant performances.

The Celtics have scored 289 points in the last two games thanks to excellent ball movement, shot selection, and defence. Queta contributed by assisting with paint control, banging with LA’s Ivica Zubac, and scoring at the rim.

For years, Boston has been looking for a quality reserve centre, a tough rebounder who can score at the rim and play decent defence. Porzingis has been a dangerous rim presence, but due to his precarious health, the Celtics require another minutes-eater in the middle.

They went with Luke Kornet, who has been adequate in that role but does not rebound at the same level as Queta. Queta has averaged 6 points and 6.6 rebounds (3.3 offensive) in 16 minutes per game for the Celtics in eight games. He provides the Celtics with extra possessions, a presence at the rim, and the ability to score in the paint.

in other news, Game Preview: Clippers vs. Celtics