Neemias Queta Discusses Representing Portugal, Opportunity with Celtics: 'I Feel Very Wanted'

Neemias Queta generated seven points, four rebounds, and a block in his first game with the Celtics.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after the Sacramento Kings parted ways with Neemias Queta, the Celtics worked quickly to bring him to Boston.

His new NBA home signed last season's runner-up for G League MVP to a two-way deal, meaning he'll split his time between the Maine Celtics and their parent club.

With Robert Williams now a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, there's more of an opportunity behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford than when Queta signed with Boston.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

(Neemias Queta (88) lays the ball in during the first half at Madison Square Garden.)

Monday night at Madison Square Garden, he played in his first game as a Celtic, an opportunity to showcase his talents to his new team in-game action.

The 24-year-old registered seven points, four rebounds, and a block in 14 minutes in a 114-107 loss to the Knicks.

Count that basket +1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/CB3V64LhtI

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 10, 2023

Queta also committed five fouls, a problem that's persisted throughout his career. But the seven-footer's athleticism and ability to run the floor in transition were also on display.

The latter is what made the Celtics so excited to work with him this season. Cutting down on fouls will be the key to him staying on the floor when he gets opportunities in Boston.

After the game, the G League All-Defensive Team selection shed light on joining the Celtics after spending his first two NBA seasons with the Kings, as captured by CLNS Media.

"It's always tough when that situation happens, but I feel like I've always had a good support system with my family, my friends, and it didn't really take much time before Boston called up, and I picked up the phone, and I knew I was in a good situation from that point on.

"It's a winning team, always fighting for championships, and I want to contribute in that aspect."

Queta also discussed his conversations with his new franchise before signing with them and what he's looking for in a situation that will have him shuttling between Boston and Maine.

"It's a mixture. You never really know what's going on. You have to be ready at all times. It's always that type of conversation. But I feel very wanted over here, so I'm really excited for being able to showcase what I can do on both ends of the floor; we'll let time speak for itself."

The Celtics center, who's the first player from Portugal to reach the NBA, also conveyed the following about that honor and the responsibility that comes with it.

"It's always good to be representing the country you grew up in. You've got so many people looking up to you, but at the same time, it's even a bigger responsibility in terms of what I'm representing and how much they believe in me, so I just can't let them down."

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