Nets Coach Jordi Fernandez Says ‘Sky Is The Limit’ For Celtics Breakout Star
Neemias Queta continued his breakout season for the Boston Celtics in Tuesday’s 113-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Despite being limited to 23 minutes due to foul trouble, Queta still made his presence felt in the paint with six points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks — his most swats since Halloween.
The 26-year-old center has stepped up in his first season as a starter, effectively replacing the departed Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet. He’s averaging career highs across the board, helping the Celtics get out to an 8-7 start.
After Tuesday’s game, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez had some lofty praise for Queta, whom he coached as the Sacramento Kings’ associate head coach during the 2022-23 campaign.
“Sky is the limit for him,” Fernandez said during his postgame press conference. “His willingness to learn and be better, and he cares, that’s why I think it made him special.”
Queta has proven Fernandez right by showing tremendous growth this season, averaging 9.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game. He’s scoring a bit, rebounding well and protecting the paint, flourishing in his new role.
Given its lack of size and frontcourt depth, Boston is counting on Queta to keep improving and playing at a high level. He, Josh Minott and Luka Garza have been saviors in that regard, but Queta will need to pace himself and do his best to stay healthy as his body adjusts to the bigger workload.