Celtics’ $2.4 Million Center Named One of NBA’s Best Value Players

Neemias Queta has proven himself capable of being a starting-level big man in the NBA. The Boston Celtics center spent last season as the team’s fourth-string option but has found himself thrust into the starting lineup this season after Brad Stevens made a flurry of moves during the summer.

Queta’s impact has been easy to see. When he’s on the floor, Boston looks like a stronger unit on both sides of the court. The numbers back that up. According to Cleaning The Glass, which has a built-in garbage time filter, in the 1,260 possessions Queta has played so far, the Celtics are outscoring opponents by 12.2 points per 100 possessions. When he’s off the court, Boston is being outscored by 0.4 points per 100 possessions across its 1,317 possessions.

With such a significant impact, Queta is emerging as one of the best value players in the NBA. After all, he’s earning $2.4 million this season and is in line for $2.6 million during the 2026-27 campaign.

It’s no surprise, then, that ESPN’s Bobby Marks has included Queta in his annual “all value” team selection.

“This season, the 7-foot Queta has started 26 games and has tallied double-digit rebounds in eight games, including 18 rebounds with 19 points last month against the Timberwolves,” Marks wrote. “Boston is…8.0 points better than with Porzingis at center last season. Porzingis is making over $30 million this season with the Hawks, and Queta’s salary ranks last among all starting centers.”

The Celtics are still short of depth at the center position. If Brad Stevens moves to add another big ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Queta could find himself operating with the second unit during the latter part of the season.

Regardless of whether Queta continues to operate as Boston’s starter or is ultimately moved to a bench role, he’s proven that he’s capable of anchoring a team in the NBA. Because of that, his future in the league appears bright.