The Boston Celtics are gearing up to defend their 2023/24 NBA title, but they’re still waiting to find out who they’ll face in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The play-in games are set to tip off soon, with the Magic-Hawks and Warriors-Grizzlies matchups scheduled for the early hours of the morning.
In a recent international press conference, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and center Kristaps Porzingis shared their thoughts on the team’s current state and what’s to come. Porzingis missed the first month of the regular season due to ankle surgery but has since returned to the lineup.
Neemias Queta Stepped Up
During Porzingis’ absence, Neemias Queta seized the opportunity to make a significant impact. The Portuguese international played a career-high 62 games, starting six times, and averaged 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game.
Porzingis praised Queta’s progress, saying he saw “great progress” from the previous season. He highlighted the coaching staff’s efforts to push Queta to improve quickly and earn his playing time. “He’s lowered his head and worked every day,” Porzingis said. “We’ve seen glimpses of that during the time I was out.”
A Valuable Asset
Porzingis emphasized that Queta is a reliable player who can contribute to the team at any moment. “He’s someone we can trust, someone who’s great in the locker room, and a guy who’s hungry to win and waiting for his chance,” he added. “I’m sure when that opportunity comes, he’ll grab it.”
The Celtics will face a tough challenge in the playoffs, and Queta’s development will be important to their success. Interestingly, Porzingis and Queta may soon face off against each other again in the EuroBasket 2025, as Latvia is in Group A with Portugal.
Their showdown is highly anticipated, and the stage is set for an exciting matchup between two talented teams.
