Neemias Queta finding footing, but with one key flaw in his game this season

Boston Celtics

Queta is one of Boston’s most improved players this season, but his free throw percentage is well below average.

Neemias Queta has by all accounts exceeded expectations since taking on the starting center role for the Celtics this season.

The 26 year old is averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season — both are almost double his career average (5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds). Queta’s reliable presence around the rim remains important for the Celtics, who lost three centers in the offseason.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Queta took time to reflect on what the first seven weeks of the season have been like for him.

“I’m always appreciative of this opportunity. It’s not any franchise; it’s the Boston Celtics,” Queta said. “I try not to [think about that], because I got to go out there every day … the best thing I do is play basketball at the end of the day.

“It’s a great privilege, but still I got to go out there and play basketball and deliver on the court.”

While Queta’s rise as a player has been full of positives, his game has shown one clear weakness: free throw shooting. He’s only hitting 61.2 percent of his free throw attempts on the year. It’s one of the worst marks of any starter in the NBA, and something Queta would like to improve on as the year goes on.

Boston is a less physical team in general, with Queta being one of a few exceptions to that. Shooting well from the charity stripe would be an advantage and add another layer to Queta’s growing role for the Celtics.

Boston lost to the Bucks on Thursday due in large part to the physical advantage they had over the Celtics. Queta had nine points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

“We could get better at learning how to play teams like that,” Queta said. “We’ll watch film … we’ll learn from that.”

Queta and the Celtics have a few days rest before taking on the Pistons Monday night.