Celtics Fans Find Hope in Neemias Queta
Celtics fans can find a glimmer of hope in the performances of Neemias Queta, who made his impressive debut at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament in Riga, Latvia. The 7-foot center represented Portugal in their opening match, securing a significant 62-50 victory over Czechia, marking the country’s first win in EuroBasket since 2007.
Exceptional Performance
Queta was nothing short of exceptional, delivering a stellar performance with 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting, complemented by 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. This remarkable display not only led his team to victory but also set a record, making him the first player to score 20 points and grab 15 rebounds in a EuroBasket debut since FIBA began tracking those statistics in 1995.
Highlight of the Game
An intriguing highlight of Queta’s game was his very first score—a three-pointer. This is particularly noteworthy as he has not attempted a single 3-pointer in his four seasons in the NBA. His ability to space the floor by hitting a deep shot on Portugal’s opening possession adds complexity to his game, much to the delight of Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who could benefit from such a skill set, especially with the team’s offseason challenges.
Impact on the Celtics
With the Boston Celtics recently losing key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, a developing three-point shot from Queta could enhance the team’s offensive dynamics. The Celtics will need to adapt their approach in light of star player Jayson Tatum’s injury, and Queta’s potential increase in shooting range could be crucial as they focus on ball movement and spacing.
Upcoming Challenges
While Czechia may not present the strongest competition, Queta’s next challenge will be significant as he faces some of the best players in the tournament, including Nikola Jokic from Serbia and Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece. Portugal’s upcoming match against Serbia, scheduled for Friday at 2:15 p.m. ET, will provide further insights into Queta’s capabilities on larger stages.
