Always Ready: How Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and the Stay Ready Celtics Stay Game-Ready All Season Long
In the world of professional basketball, the spotlight often shines brightest on the starting five and the superstars. But behind every successful team is a group of unsung heroes—the players who may not hear their names called every night, but who are always ready when it matters most. Enter Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and the rest of the Boston Celtics’ “Stay Ready” crew—a group of relentless professionals who’ve mastered the art of preparation, patience, and performance.
For Jordan Walsh, the rookie with untapped potential and a defensive motor that never stops, staying ready is about mindset. “Every day I come in with the idea that I could get the call. I don’t take any practice lightly,” Walsh says. His energy in workouts and attention to detail in film sessions have not gone unnoticed by coaches and teammates alike.
Neemias Queta, the 7-foot Portuguese big man, brings a different kind of presence. Known for his rim protection and soft hands around the basket, Queta has bounced between the G League and the Celtics’ bench. “My goal is to be the same player every day—whether I’m playing 20 minutes or zero,” he says. His commitment to strength training, diet, and extra reps after practice shows just how serious he is about the opportunity when it comes.
So what’s the secret sauce for the Stay Ready squad?
“It’s culture,” says one Celtics assistant coach. “These guys compete in scrimmages like it’s a playoff game. They push the starters, they study the game plan, and they stay connected to the team goals. That’s not easy when you’re not getting regular minutes.”
The Celtics have developed a system that values development and trust. Practices are intense but intentional, and younger players are given feedback in real time. Veteran leaders like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday play a big role in mentoring the Stay Ready guys, ensuring the next-man-up mentality is real—not just a slogan.
As the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom, the Celtics know depth matters more than ever. Injuries, foul trouble, and fatigue can change a series in minutes. That’s when the Stay Ready crew becomes vital.
“We don’t just want to be ready,” Walsh says. “We want to be ready to impact.”
In Boston, staying ready isn’t about waiting—it’s about working. And if the moment arrives, players like Walsh and Queta won’t just be stepping in—they’ll be stepping up.
