Neemias Queta continues to raise Portugal’s profile on American soil. This year, the big man from Vale da Amoreira soared beyond expectations. Drafted 39th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2021, “Neemy” enjoyed the best season of his career.
Taking on a starting role for the first time in the NBA, Queta nearly doubled his statistics compared to last season. On an individual level, it was truly a dream year.
Many factors explain the Portuguese center’s breakout—team changes, EuroBasket, and more. But one question arises: Did he have a special preseason? The simple answer: no.
Quite the opposite. Neemias had an unusual preseason because he underwent surgery. “He was operated on after last year’s playoffs. He had a sore left knee, and they decided to perform an arthroscopy. Right after elimination, the recovery process began,” shared Ricardo Brito Reis, basketball analyst and founder of Borracha Laranja, in an interview with Maisfutebol.
“Mazzulla called Neemias and told him he would be the starter this season”
The early summer was spent recovering from the injury and preparing for EuroBasket, where Portugal was set to compete. A coach from the Maine Celtics—Boston’s G League affiliate—even traveled to Portugal to monitor the process, according to Brito Reis.
In the summer, the Celtics lost three key frontcourt options: Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, who moved to the Hawks, Warriors, and Spurs, respectively. This opened the door for Neemias to become a starter for the NBA’s most successful franchise. While media speculated about his opportunity, Brito Reis recalls that Queta already had certainty before EuroBasket. “Mazzulla (Celtics head coach) admitted that during the summer, before EuroBasket, he called Neemias and said he would be the starter this season,” he noted.
At EuroBasket, Neemias shone for Portugal. He led the team to the round of 16, averaging 15.5 points and 8 rebounds per game. This proved to be a crucial test, preparing the Portuguese giant for the demanding season ahead.
“After years of either not playing or being the fourth big in the rotation, for the national team he not only played every game but played heavy minutes with a star role. If he had a bad game, he couldn’t just rest on the bench. He had to be present and impact every possession,” argued Ricardo Brito Reis.
Carlos Lisboa—former player and coach of Benfica—also spoke to Maisfutebol about Neemias’s season, which surprised the former Portuguese basketball star. “In a way, it surprised me, not because of him. It surprised me because Boston also reshaped the team, and he earned his space. He got more minutes and took advantage. That’s essential for growth and affirmation,” he said.
The core of his evolution lies in increased playing time, as both Brito Reis and Lisboa pointed out. The rest came through repetitions, confidence, and chemistry.