Boston Celtics standout Neemias Queta has set a big goal with Portugal heading into the EuroBasket tournament.
As the Boston Celtics head into a turbulent season, they will be reliant, now more than ever, on their fringe players.
With Jayson Tatum’s brutal Achilles injury putting a damper on their plans, the Celtics gutted their roster, shipping out some high earners to shed their massive wage bill.
One of the stars set to receive more opportunities next season is Portuguese big man Neemias Queta. Queta will be one of the Celtics’ regular features at the center position.
While Brown has praised Queta for his performances in the past, the young star has a new goal in mind heading into EuroBasket with Portugal.
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty ImagesNeemias Queta wants to help Portugal qualify for EuroBasket knockouts
Neemias Queta spoke in an interview recently about his goals with the Portuguese national team heading into the EuroBasket tournament.
While he hasn’t had a big role for the Celtics, Queta wants to make sure that he can contribute on both ends of the court and help Portugal make it to the knockout stages of the tournament.
“Thinking that I don’t play as many minutes there [in Boston] or that I play more minutes here won’t make a difference.
“I have to attack the game the same way, with the same mindset of wanting to make my defender suffer with me and to be able to do more, to capitalize on and off the field. I think that’s how, with the best possible approach, I can be effective.
“The goal is always that [qualification], you don’t come here to relax or waste time. When we come here, it’s to compete, to try to achieve our goals, and that’s always been one of our goals from the beginning, since I’ve been here.”
Momentum with Portugal could help Neemias Queta with Boston Celtics
If Neemias Queta has a strong EuroBasket tournament with Portugal, that could bode well for his upcoming NBA season with the Boston Celtics.
Joe Mazzulla will undoubtedly be watching how Queta performs with Portugal. If he is able to demonstrate a leadership quality with them, expect him to get more minutes with the team.
The upcoming NBA season is one where the Boston Celtics don’t expect to compete for an NBA championship.
Providing Queta with more opportunities to develop could allow the Celtics to nurture another solid homegrown player for when they return to contention.