Celtics
The seven-footer was the NBA G League MVP runner-up final season.
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Right here’s how the NBA’s new relaxation coverage will have an effect on the Celtics
The Celtics reportedly signed 24-year-old heart Neemias Queta to a two-way contract on Saturday, offering depth for Boston’s massive males.
Previous to signing with the Celtics, Queta spent two seasons with the Sacramento Kings group. He was drafted by the Kings with the thirty ninth choose within the 2021 NBA draft. Queta principally resided within the NBA G League, although he did seem in 20 video games for the Kings throughout his tenure with the group.
Listed below are 5 issues to know concerning the new seven-foot, 248-pound Celtic heart:
He was runner-up for G League MVP.
Queta could not have gotten many alternatives to showcase his expertise on the NBA stage, however he turned loads of heads within the G League.
In 29 video games with the Stockton Kings, Queta averaged 16.8 factors per sport, 8.8 rebounds per sport, and 1.9 blocks per sport. He earned a spot on the All-NBA G League first staff and was second in MVP voting behind Carlik Jones.
Regardless of displaying promise within the G-League and possessing an NBA-like body, the Kings didn’t retain Queta for 2023-24.
He’s initially from Portugal.
Born and raised in Barreiro, Portugal, Queta didn’t transfer to america till faculty. He started taking part in basketball at 10 years outdated and excelled in Portugal.
Earlier than faculty, Queta performed for Portugal’s U-20 nationwide staff within the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Division B. There, he averaged 14.3 factors, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per sport. Workforce Portugal completed first place in that division, and Queta was named to the All-Star 5.
He was a sought-after recruit heading into faculty.
Queta’s worldwide play didn’t go unnoticed by faculties within the U.S. Though Queta in the end dedicated to Utah State, within the Mountain West Convention, he had different notable provides on the desk for faculty ball.
Queta reportedly drew curiosity from Texas Tech, Creighton, and St. Mary’s. The Aggies efficiently lured him to Utah as a substitute, led by assistant coach Eric Peterson, who visited Queta in Portugal.
He joined Utah State with out ever assembly the pinnacle coach.
Peterson may need established a relationship with Queta early on within the recruiting course of, however Utah State’s head coach on the time, Craig Smith, by no means met Queta in individual till he stepped foot on campus.
As a substitute, Smith relied on movie and on-line communication with Queta all through the recruitment course of. That by no means stopped Queta from going all-in on the Aggies and succeeding with them on the collegiate stage.
His ultimate 12 months of school showcased his freak athleticism.
Queta performed three seasons of school basketball, showing in 86 video games for Utah State and beginning 84 of them.
His first two seasons confirmed promise. He averaged almost 12 factors per sport as a freshman and established himself as a rim protector, averaging 2.4 blocks per sport that season.
Queta’s third and ultimate 12 months of school was his finest all-around, although. He averaged 14.9 factors, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and three.3 blocks per sport. The middle did slightly little bit of every thing on the ground, serving to elevate him to a top-40 choose within the draft after the season.
Now, Queta will be a part of the Celtics and bolster depth at heart behind Kristaps Porzingis, Robert Williams III, and Al Horford.
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