The Boston Celtics didn’t hesitate to sign 7-foot big man Neemias Queta to their final two-way contract when he suddenly became an available free agent last week after being waived by the Sacramento Kings.

Queta was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Kings, 39th overall, making him the first ever Portuguese player to be drafted in the NBA.

The 7-foot big man spent a majority of the last two years in the G League with the Stockton Kings and only appeared in 20 games total with Sacramento since 2021. That said, he’s thrived in the G League. 

In 43 career games, Queta averaged 16.7 points per game with 66.1 percent field goal percentage and 79.8 percent from the free throw line. He also adds 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. 

He’s a defensive-minded two-way big man, which fits into what the Celtics expect from the position moving forward. Queta was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year at Utah State and made the NBA G League All-Defensive First Team last year. 

It’s worth mentioning that Queta made All NBA G League First Team in addition to his Defensive First Team status, Queta was one of the top five players in the G League last year. 

Queta is agile and maneuvers himself well around the court for a 7-footer at 250 lbs. He has a nice touch on the ball in the paint for floaters and seems quick enough on his feet to guard and switch onto anyone.

The Celtics signed him to their final two-way contract despite having an available roster spot in Boston. This gives them assurance to their center position that is being held by an injury prone Robert Williams, an aging and limited Al Horford, and a big stock went into acquiring Kristaps Porzingis. 

Do not be surprised to see Boston use Queta’s two-way availability more often than not this season if one of their centers inevitably becomes injured or something throughout the year. He’s a great option to have in the pipeline. 

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Photo Credit: The Sacramento Bee