The Boston Celtics have signed center Neemias Queta to a two-way contract.
Recently, the Sacramento Kings waived Queta after they signed free agent JaVale McGee.
With this move, the Celtics no longer have a two-way contract remaining. This is because, earlier in the offseason, the Celtics also signed JD Davison and Jay Scrubb to a two-way contract.
Free agent 7-footer Neemias Queta is finalizing a two-way NBA contract with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Queta spent the past two seasons with the Kings, who drafted him in the second round in 2021.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 16, 2023
The Boston Celtics Sign Neemias Queta to a Two-Way Contract
Neemias’ NBA Career Breakdown
The Kings drafted Queta with the 39th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Utah State.
In three years at Utah State, Queta was named to the All-Mountain First Team in 2021 and the All-Mountain Second Team in 2019 and 2020.
Queta was also the 2019 Mountain West Freshman of the Year.
Additionally, Queta is also a two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year (2019 and 2021) and made it to the Mountain West All-Defensive Team all three years at Utah State.
Originally, Queta declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, but he withdrew his name.
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Queta is the first Portuguese player to be drafted in the NBA. Queta had represented Portugal in European Championship games from 2017-2019 and led his team to win gold in 2019.
In August 2021, Queta signed a two-way contract with the Kings.
Splitting time between Sacramento and their G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, Queta made his NBA debut on December 17, 2021.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Queta recorded five rebounds and a block. The big man also dished out one assist.
Nearly a month later, Queta scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 109-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Queta tallied an assist and a steal as well.
Queta spent most of his time in the G League while he was with the Kings. In fact, Queta was named to the 2023 All-NBA G League First Team and the G League All-Defensive Team. Queta also played in the G League’s inaugural Next Up Game in 2023.
Playing for Team Scoot, Queta recorded 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a 178-162 loss to Team Luka in the game.
The Kings signed Queta to a standard contract in August 2023 before they waived him.
How Does Neemias Queta Fit With the Celtics?
Queta showed flashes of potential while with the Kings.
Over the course of two seasons with the Kings, the 24-year-old played in 20 total games. In these games, the Portugal native averaged 2.9 PPG and 2.1 RPG on 7.5 MPG.
These numbers may not say much, but the Utah State alum has shown that he can become a solid defensive-minded big man who can grab boards at will. This is similar to what Robert Williams III currently does for the Celtics on a higher level.
It’s unlikely that Queta will make a short-term impact for the Celtics. However, the team is in need of big man depth behind Williams III, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.
Although Luke Kornet was serviceable in a small role with the Celtics last season, it would make sense for the team to look for an upgrade there.
Either way, it may say a lot about Queta if the Celtics are willing to use their last two-way contract spot on him.
