BOSTON — The Celtics blew out the Hornets for another preseason win Wednesday, and in some ways, it was also the center showcase. Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta and even Luka Garza showed off some of their strengths all night.
But the trio also showed a glimpse of the future in what’s clearly a revamped Boston center rotation. The night started with Robinson setting the tone physically on the boards, then it was Queta attempting some 3-pointers. It was the type of performance that should turn some heads for Celtics fans this season.
“It was great,” Robinson said of Queta. “Both talented players and the way he can just put it on the floor, he’s very smart. He’s a smart player. So being able to get out there with him — a lot of things we need to clean up but I feel like we can be pretty good.”
The Celtics even experimented with some double big lineups featuring Robinson and Queta. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla, in a typical move, didn’t give either guys a heads up that was going to be the look. But both centers took it in stride and were productive against the Hornets. Robinson had 12 points and seven rebounds on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting (and 2-for-2 on free throws). Queta put up 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Garza joined the party with 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
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Robinson is also learning a new role with the Celtics: he’s way more involved in the offense. With the Knicks, it was more setting a screen and rolling. Perhaps the ball would come back to his side or maybe it wouldn’t. With the Celtics, “I’m setting a flare, pin-down, ball screen,” adding it’s a lot of fun being involved offensively,
“It feels amazing,” Robinson said. “It’s like they appreciate me for doing all the dirty work. Just taking that in. Now I’m like, the more dirty work I get, the more chance I get on the offensive side. Kind of go hand-in-hand and continue to do that.”
Robinson has gotten the starting nod over the last two games, playing alongside Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Jayson Tatum and Paul George. That’s meant Queta, last year’s starter, has come off the bench. But that hasn’t seemingly bothered him at all — he’s projected to get minutes on a nightly basis anyway.
Queta has also added what could be a new weapon to his arsenal: a 3-pointer. He went 0-for-3 from behind the arc Wednesday, which follows up an 0-for-1 showing against the Sixers. Queta did make a long-range jumper, though his foot was on the line. Still, that’s a development worth monitoring to see if Queta can consistently make 3s.
“It’s just over the years, just got the practice, just getting the reps and getting more consistent in general with the form,” Queta said. “The way I stick the landing and all that type of stuff make a difference. ... I’ve been making a couple of them in the offseason. They trust me to shoot them. Just gotta make them.”
The Celtics shored up their big man depth by landing Robinson on a three-year contract this summer. He’s still learning how to play with his teammates, but the improvements are already evident. After Tatum and Robinson’s timing was off on lobs against Philly, they converted on multiple looks Wednesday. Clear progress.
Garza also figures to be in the center rotation, though he’s the third big man. Fortunately, the Celtics know what to expect whenever Garza is on the court: The relentless pursuit for rebounds.
That’s a similar DNA to Robinson’s game, which Mazzulla praised after the blowout victory.
“Mitch is one of the smartest players I’ve been around,” Mazzulla said. “His ability to process information, his ability to understand. So I think you just throw him in the mix, he can just pick it up. He’s been around great coaches, great players. So he knows the game; he’s been playing for nine years in the league.”
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