Joe Mazzulla had high praise for one of his Boston Celtics players who has shown a lot of improvement, and even reminded him of his passion.
Joe Mazzulla has a tall task ahead of him as he tries to coach the Boston Celtics through a difficult season where they don’t contend for an NBA championship.
The Celtics gutted their 2024 NBA championship roster after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, effectively shutting their championship window.
One of the players now vying for the starting center spot is Neemias Queta. The Portuguese center shone at EuroBasket, even setting records with his performances.
Queta set the standard for his career at EuroBasket. And his development over the last year has caused Joe Mazzulla to reflect on their time together.
Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty ImagesJoe Mazzulla says witnessing Neemias Queta’s growth is what coaching is all about
Joe Mazzulla spoke to reporters after the Boston Celtics’ preseason win over the Toronto Raptors. When discussing Neemias Queta’s performance, he applauded the star for growing into his starting role.
Mazzulla admitted that he wants Queta to be better every time he’s out there, and that his growth into this current version is why many people get into coaching.
“Tonight was good. It’s hard. We’re gonna be hard on Neemy. I’m really looking forward to coaching throughout the year.
“I told him, ‘This is what you’ve worked your whole life for: The chance to start for the Celtics.’ You see this with players who step into a different phase of their career.
Joe Mazzulla on Neemias Queta:
“Tonight was good. It’s hard. We’re gonna be hard on Neemy … I told him, this is what you’ve worked your whole life for: The chance to start for the Celtics … What we saw tonight, I think he can better than that. But that’s the guy we need.” pic.twitter.com/kK0VRFVOBG
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“It’s easy to be there as a rookie, the force in the paint, and it’s easy to be the backup. He had to develop a mindset to deliver every night, and I think he has that…
“He showed what he is capable of. We just have to hold him to that standard. What we saw tonight, I think, he can be better than that. But that’s the guy we need.”
“I think that’s why you get into coaching, you really get into coaching to take guys like that and see where they can get you. It’s been fun getting to that. And so I really do enjoy coaching him.”
Neemias Queta could take a massive leap next season
Putting a young center like Neemias Queta at the starting spot is a big risk, and one that the Celtics can only take this season.
This season is the NBA equivalent of a gap year for the Boston Celtics, as they look to hold on to their spot in the East while Jayson Tatum recovers.
There is some hope that Tatum can return before the playoffs and give the Celtics a big boost if they’re still in contention for a spot.
But realistically, the Celtics aren’t going to be competitive. Thus, Queta can play at the center spot without too much pressure.
It’s unlikely, however, that Joe Mazzulla will tolerate his players slacking off in the name of low expectations. So Queta still has to uphold the Celtics’ famed standards.