After returning from his third game with the Maine Celtics at the Portland Expo Building in Portland, Maine, Neemias Queta returned to the court on Monday— this time, in a different capacity. Assuming the role of "Coach Neemy" alongside Leon Powe, as he engaged in a holiday-themed basketball clinic, introducing more than 75 senior citizens to ball handling and shooting drills.
“It was fun,” Queta shared when reflecting on the event. “It definitely helps. Either for them to get to know me a little bit more or just for me to get more in tune with the community, the fans, and the city. It’s just a great way for us to be exposed and for us to get to be more involved.”
Coach Neemy was a fan favorite. In between drills, Queta spent time taking pictures with and talking to the participants as they boasted big smiles.
Queta, the only NBA player ever from Portugal, already receives overwhelming support from his native country. Now, he’s starting to feel the love in his new home – Boston.
“I'm really enjoying it,” the 7-foot big man said when discussing his experience in Boston so far.
“The fans are really always on our side. Everywhere I go, I get a little bit of love. I'm just excited to be in this type of situation.”
The Celtics promptly signed the former Utah State standout to a two-way deal after his release by the Sacramento Kings in September.
Queta was selected to the All-NBA G League first team and the G League All-Defensive team, and also finished runner-up in G League MVP voting last season, averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
The 24-year-old made the most of his opportunities upon arriving in Boston, emerging as a preseason standout for the C’s – a team in need of frontcourt help with the departure of Robert Williams.
However, a foot injury caused the Portugal native to miss the first couple of weeks of the season, and the lingering effects persist.
“It’s been ups and downs. I feel like it’s been getting better with time. Steadily getting better,” Queta said when discussing the injury Monday. “It’s still a little bit ginger every now and then, but I feel like it’s expected and normal, but I’m definitely trending in the right way. I’m feeling like I should be 100% in a bit of time.”
Though his minutes with the big club have been limited, Queta has made the most of his opportunities whenever he has been on the floor, showcasing his size and athleticism with his activity around the rim. Queta has especially impressed with his offensive rebounding – a key emphasis by Joe Mazzulla this season.
As Queta adapts to his new role, he seeks to capitalize on every opportunity that comes his way. During his time in Maine, he focuses on refining the skills that initially brought him to Boston.
“I’m just trying to take it as it goes. You never really know when you are going to go down there [Maine]. I’m just trying to take it as an opportunity to get better and find my rhythm,” Queta said. “Just keep on being a rebounder, being a screen setter, being really impactful in the minutes I get, trying to help the team with the things that got me all the way out here. I'm just trying to fit into my role and just trying to play it as best as I can.”
Queta is one of the most interesting Celtics prospects. His potential is evident, and he could fulfill a crucial area of need for the team, especially if they don't make any additions via trade. For Queta, the focus remains on maximizing his minutes, wherever they may come, and consistently making a positive impact.
“Obviously, you can never really know when you are getting minutes with the main club [Boston], so the more minutes I can get to find my rhythm, to get in better shape, get a better understanding with the teammates I got on both teams. I’m just trying to get some burn and try to evolve my game with that.”
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