The Boston Celtics announced on Monday night that they have signed center Neemias Queta to a standard contract. Per team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed, but it's fair to expect a multi-year deal.
Queta, the only Portuguese player in NBA history, signed a two-way deal with the Celtics this offseason after being let go by the Sacramento Kings in favor of JaVale McGee. He always appeared to be the most likely candidate for the final roster spot, and now, that has come to fruition.
With Queta’s contract converted to a standard deal, he becomes eligible to play in the postseason.
The 7-foot big man has appeared in 26 games with the Celtics, averaging 4.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 11.4 minutes per game. Queta is an exceptional athlete who provides size, physicality, energy, and solid activity around the rim on both ends of the floor.
This season, Queta has also appeared in eight games with the Celtics’ G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, averaging 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks. He played a crucial role in helping Maine advance to the G-League Finals for the first time in franchise history after recording 16 points and a G-League career-high 19 rebounds in their Eastern Conference Championship win over the Long Island Nets Sunday night.
A former Utah State standout, Queta has a history of dominance in the G-League. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 39th pick in the 2021 draft, he played sparingly in his two seasons with the Kings, primarily featuring for their G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Queta’s solid play earned him selections to the All-NBA G League First Team and the G League All-Defensive Team. He finished runner-up in G-League MVP voting last season, averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
At just 24 years old, Queta emerged as a bright spot on the Boston bench. His potential is evident, as noted by head coach Joe Mazzulla.
“He’s one of those kids that doesn’t know how good he can be, that hasn’t been in the league a long time,” Mazzulla said on Queta back in January. “He’s only played like 300 minutes in the NBA. So he’s starting to see when he plays with a certain presence, we’re a different basketball team.”
With upcoming CBA restrictions looming and existing cap constraints, the Celtics must prioritize acquiring and developing young talent. Queta aligns with this strategy, aiming to follow in the footsteps of successful developmental stories within the team, such as Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet.
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