Neemias Queta wants to win Most Improved Player, but won’t let it change his game

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have built a winning culture on the idea that collective achievement should always outweigh individual accomplishments. The 2025-26 Celtics have embodied that mentality well, especially on Sunday afternoon during a 115-101 win over the Toronto Raptors in which practically every Green Teamer contributed meaningful minutes. But just because the C's believe in "we" before "me" doesn't mean they lack players who deserve unique recognition.

Celtics center Neemias Queta comes to mind, as the 7-footer went from a G League hero to a reliable starter in just a single season. He wreaked havoc on the Raptors with 16 points in the first half and finished with 18 points, a game-high 5 offensive rebounds, and a game-high 3 blocks in under 34 minutes. This impressive performance would've stunned TD Garden in the past.

Now, it's just another game for Queta. "He's been just consistently getting better protecting the rim, finishing, making those little shots, rebounding," Celtics star Jaylen Brown praised in the locker room. Although Queta isn't listed by most sportsbooks as a candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player, Brown argued that his name should be in the mix.

"In my opinion, he's probably one of the most improved players this year," Brown said unprompted. "I don't know if he's up for the award, but he should be. ” While most pundits and fans didn't see Queta's meteoric rise coming, the Portuguese center was confident that he'd thrive in a bigger role.