Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Keeping Tabs on Potential Rising Star This Summer
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is keeping tabs on a potential rising star for his team during the NBA offseason.
The Celtics have undergone significant roster churn this summer. Following the Achilles tendon rupture of six-time All-Star power forward Jayson Tatum, the team's best player, during the playoffs, Boston general manager Brad Stevens opted to tear down key cogs in the Celtics' championship core rather than have new majority owner Bill Chisholm foot what would have been the priciest payroll bill in NBA history.
Stevens has overseen the exit of two centers this summer. He traded away starting center Kristaps Porzingis and let third-string big man Luke Kornet sign a free agent contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Al Horford appears poised to depart as well. Stevens signed free agent centers Chris Boucher — who could conceivably also replace Tatum as the club's fill-in starting power forward — and Luka Garza.
But fourth-string center Neemias Queta also has an opportunity to step into the starting center role this fall
Per Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops, Mazzulla has been keeping tabs on the EuroBasket output of Queta this summer. The 7-footer just wrapped up some terrific play for his native Portugal.
"I spoke with him a couple of times, he is always sending me messages of appreciation, or love, or me getting better," Queta aid. "What he sees in me, what I need to improve on, and that’s a great relationship that we have.”
A Basketball Evolution
“It was a good opportunity for me to evolve my game and get ready for the next season,” Queta added.
Queta was suiting up in his first major FIBA competition, which he even acknowledged was a bit of a surprise.
“Life comes at you in mysterious ways,” Queta said. “I want more, I always want to evolve.”
More news: Kristaps Porzingis Has No Idea How Celtics Will Replace Him This Season
In some even better news for Mazzulla, Queta seems to be fully recuperated from an offseason knee surgery.
“I got rested enough this offseason and I think that I put myself in the best position to have a breakout season," Queta opined. "I have the tools to compete with the best.”
Ultimately, Portugal's run came to an end in the round of 16, when former Celtics point guard Dennis Schröder's German team took them down.
Red Sox’ Aroldis Chapman on 3rd-longest streak of hitless domination since 1901
Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has been unstoppable on the mound against the Diamondbacks. His dominance is giving the Red Sox a crucial edge as the postseason race heats up. Aroldis Chapman’s hitless streak has now reached 17 straight appearances without allowing a hit. This marks one of the most remarkable pitching runs in recent MLB history.
Chapman’s hitless streak has also stretched to 14⅔ innings, dating back to July 26, and it now ranks as the third-longest since 1901. Only Randy Choate’s 20 straight appearances in 2011 and Tim Byrdak’s 18 consecutive outings in 2012 stand ahead of him.
As a result, Aroldis Chapman’s resurgence has been vital for the Red Sox bullpen. His command and velocity have returned to elite form, and his presence has transformed the dynamic of late-inning situations. Because of this, Boston can now rely on him to shut down opposing lineups when it matters most. Against teams like the Diamondbacks and other playoff contenders, his consistency has given the Red Sox the upper hand in tight games.
Furthermore, this run highlights Chapman’s ability to adapt. Known throughout his career for overpowering hitters, he has now added sharper pitch sequencing and better movement to his arsenal. Consequently, hitters are struggling to pick up his slider after seeing a triple-digit fastball, creating a nearly unhittable combination. With each outing, his confidence grows, and so does the team’s trust in him to deliver in critical spots.
Ultimately, the Red Sox remain locked in a fierce battle for postseason positioning, and Chapman’s dominance has provided a much-needed boost. If he maintains this pace, his historic run could play a pivotal role in Boston’s playoff push. For now, every appearance by Chapman feels like must-watch baseball. The only question left: how long can Aroldis Chapman keep this hitless streak alive and cement his place in MLB history?
And more importantly, can the Red Sox ride his dominance all the way into the postseason?
