Joe Mazzulla on keeping Neemias Queta in Q3:

“Some of the shots they hit were tough, some of the stuff we gave up, he’s gotta work on. But if we’re going to believe in our guys and get them to a level that they need to get to, those are things that you have to go through.”

21 comments
  1. Gotta agree with Joe, in order for Neemy to step his level up, he has needs to be exposed to these type of situations because if he only plays against the weaker side all the time he won’t develop as much

  2. Knew he was doing this.

    It was full on “Sink or swim buddy, I’m not taking you out.” and it was relentless.

  3. Yea maybe Neemy never gets to that next level, but the potential is there with him with the length, athleticism, and a more raw player. He’s also the guy you have on a 3 year deal in hopes of development. We know what we have with Luke, we can always go back to Luke, pretty much same with Tillman. But you have to commit to the plan long term while still playing winning basketball.

  4. Problem with Queta is that his best moments are always with the rest of the starters. He’s been awful when coming off the bench and around other bench players which is a problem because that’s going to be his role.

  5. People would have a different opinion if the C’s lost. You can’t lose your mind if this going to be the way it goes until KP returns. Chalk it up to the game if he keeps blowing leads.

  6. Yup I’m all for this! Tbh I thought Queta didn’t have a good game, but he needs these minutes for his development, especially against a top team with legit big men. I’m confident it’ll pay off in the playoffs

  7. It left a bad taste in my mouth, even with the win. We lost the lead so fast and it had to have been at least 70% Queta on both ends. Thank goodness we had a 20 point cushion

  8. I have to wonder if all your responses would be as thoughtful if we had lost this game.

    I knew what he was doing at the time but I certainly didn’t like it because I wanted the W … even though I believe in putting guys out there because you don’t know until you do.

    Not gonna lie, I’d be cussing him out for leaving him in if we’d lost.

    I’m hoping Queta watches the film on this one. He did a lot of things wrong that really are mental. He’s reacting to the offense instead of seeing what they’re doing and working to position himself to get ahead of the play.

    He’s absolutely improved this season but today seemed a big step backwards… I’m hoping Joe can use it so that this gives him a way to take an even bigger step forward

  9. It literally felt like he wanted the Cavs to comeback lmao. Queta was getting torched on defense. But then again I don’t think Kornet would do any better defending the Cavs guards, and I don’t think Tillman could rebound against Allen and Mobley.

    Shout out the Cavs coach. It was a clear weakness that we couldn’t avoid, and they absolutely smelt blood and attacked it relentlessly. Thankfully we have Al Horford still.

  10. I agree with him. Players don’t get betting riding the pine. Let them battle through their struggles. Queta has talent and just needs the proper growth.

  11. Genuine question for those saying that he would have been getting cooked if they lost: what was he supposed to do? No chance Kornet (would have been hunted every poss) or Tillman (can’t rebound against actual bigs) would have faired better.

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