The Boston Celtics have made some major changes in their frontcourt this offseason, with Neemias Queta projected to compete for the starting center role alongside Chris Boucher.
Before the NBA season begins, however, Queta has been representing Portugal at EuroBasket. The 7-footer has been a force for the national team thus far, averaging 15.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while shooting 60.4 percent from the field in 23.6 minutes per game over five appearances in group play.
Portugal secured their spot in the Round of 16 following a 68-65 victory over Estonia on Wednesday. Queta posted 15 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-10 FT), three rebounds, one steal and one block, though he was ejected in the third quarter after logging 22 minutes.
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Neemias Queta exits early during Portugal's historic victory
Portugal secured a spot in the Round of 16 for just the second time in EuroBasket history, though Queta wasn't on the floor to celebrate.
The Celtics center received his second technical foul for excessively celebrating after a layup that gave Portugal a one-point lead, and he was reportedly heard muttering “F—ing joke” while heading to the locker room, according to Edvinas Jablonskis of BasketNews.com.
This is the play that got Neemias Queta ejected pic.twitter.com/8MiZeYz7O5
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) September 3, 2025
Still, Portugal got the job done and now looks to build on its historic performance. As for the Celtics, they'll hope Queta can continue his impressive EuroBasket play at the NBA level this season.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a torn Achilles, and Boston having traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday while losing Luke Kornet and likely Al Horford in free agency, Queta is expected to take on an expanded role during what will seemingly be a gap year for the Celtics.
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