PORTUGUESE POWER RISING IN BOSTON: Neemias Queta Projected to Start at Center for Celtics After Dominant Per-36 Performance

The Boston Celtics are fresh off their 18th NBA championship, and as they prepare for a new season, a surprising development is gaining traction within league circles and among the team’s loyal fanbase. Portuguese big man Neemias Queta, once considered a fringe roster piece, is now projected to be the starting center for the reigning champions. It’s a potential shift that highlights both his growth and the Celtics’ confidence in internal development.

Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing in at 250 pounds, Queta has proven he’s more than just a depth option. Last season, while playing limited minutes behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, Queta made the most of his opportunities. Per 36 minutes, the former Utah State standout averaged an eye-popping 16.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, showcasing a blend of power, finesse, and rim protection that could make him a centerpiece — literally and figuratively — of Boston’s starting five.

What makes this development even more special is Queta’s journey. Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, he became the first Portuguese player to be drafted in the NBA when the Sacramento Kings selected him with the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He spent time in the G League, slowly developing and waiting for a real chance to break into the league’s elite rotation. That chance appears to have finally arrived — and it’s with the most storied franchise in basketball.

Reports out of Boston’s summer camp indicate that head coach Joe Mazzulla is seriously considering inserting Queta into the starting lineup from Day 1 of the regular season. With Al Horford now 38 and likely to see his minutes reduced to preserve his body for the postseason, and with Kristaps Porziņģis still battling occasional injury concerns, the Celtics need a reliable, durable presence at the center position. Queta, who combines youth with physicality, checks those boxes.

“Neemias has earned everything,” Mazzulla told local reporters. “He’s outworked people, stayed patient, and taken advantage of every single minute he’s played. He’s one of the most coachable players I’ve had, and his teammates trust him.”

Indeed, trust is the foundation of the Celtics’ decision-making. Queta, though not a household name just yet, is respected in the locker room. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White have praised his energy, physicality, and commitment to the team-first culture that drove Boston to a championship last season. They’ve seen him bang with some of the league’s best in practices and noticed how his presence shifts the defensive intensity whenever he’s on the floor.

From a statistical standpoint, the case for Queta is strong. His per-36 numbers are comparable to some of the league’s elite defensive bigs. He’s not just a shot-blocker — he’s a deterrent. Opponents shot significantly worse at the rim when Queta was in the paint, and he has the mobility to hedge out on pick-and-rolls and recover effectively, a crucial trait in Boston’s switch-heavy defensive scheme.

Offensively, Queta isn’t going to stretch the floor like Porziņģis, but he doesn’t need to. His value lies in being a low-maintenance rim-runner who sets hard screens, finishes lobs, and keeps possessions alive with offensive rebounds. His ability to crash the boards is one of the main reasons Boston sees him as a potential starter. With Tatum and Brown operating as high-usage scorers on the wings, the Celtics benefit more from a big who doesn’t demand touches but can clean up and capitalize on chaos.

“I don’t need the ball to impact the game,” Queta said in an offseason interview. “I want to defend, rebound, protect the paint, and help my teammates play their game. That’s what matters.”

This attitude has endeared him to Celtics fans, especially those who have watched Boston build its culture around humility, toughness, and resilience. Queta represents all three, and his emergence is also a win for international basketball. Portugal is not known as a traditional basketball powerhouse, but Queta’s success is changing that perception.

Back home, his ascent has sparked a surge of interest in the NBA. Portuguese media now regularly cover Celtics games, and fans in Lisbon proudly sport green-and-white jerseys with “Queta” emblazoned on the back. He’s become a national icon — a symbol of perseverance and belief. His every block, dunk, or hustle play is celebrated with viral social media clips and national pride.

“I know I’m representing more than just myself,” Queta said. “Every time I step on the court, I’m playing for my country. I want kids in Portugal to believe they can make it too.”

Boston’s decision to start Queta is not only strategic — it’s also emotional. The franchise has long embraced underdog stories. From Isaiah Thomas to Marcus Smart to Derrick White, the Celtics have made a habit of turning overlooked players into stars. Now, Neemias Queta may be the next name on that list.

Of course, the road ahead isn’t guaranteed to be smooth. NBA defenses will adjust, scouting reports will tighten, and the pressure of starting for a championship team will be immense. But the Celtics are betting that Queta is up for the challenge. And based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s a smart bet.

His contract situation also plays a factor. Queta was re-signed by the Celtics on a standard NBA deal after initially playing on a two-way contract. That move alone signaled how highly the front office thinks of him. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has been known to reward players who earn their keep, and Queta’s development reflects the organization’s long-term investment in internal talent.

The addition of veteran center Xavier Tillman gives Boston depth, but insiders say that Queta has outperformed Tillman in key scrimmages and closed-door practices. If he secures the starting role, expect Tillman to serve as the steady backup and Horford as a strategic rotation piece for matchups and experience.

So what should fans expect from Queta this season?

For starters, rebounding. Boston struggled at times last season to dominate the boards, particularly when Porziņģis was sidelined. Queta’s nose for the ball — especially on the offensive glass — could turn those 50-50 plays into second-chance points.

Next, defensive presence. With Queta anchoring the paint, Boston can be even more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing they have a rim protector to clean up mistakes. That frees up Tatum, Brown, and White to gamble more, creating turnovers and transition opportunities.

Lastly, consistency. Boston doesn’t need Queta to score 20 points a night. What they need is reliable energy — 8 to 10 points, 8 to 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a handful of plays that shift momentum.

If he can deliver that on a nightly basis, the Celtics may have unlocked yet another winning formula. And for Queta, this is just the beginning.

From Lisbon to Boston, from the G League to the starting five of the NBA champions, Neemias Queta’s journey is one of belief, patience, and relentless work. Now, as the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes are on TD Garden — and on the Portuguese powerhouse ready to make history.

In Boston, they chant “Let’s go Celtics.” But soon, fans may be chanting something new: “Let’s go Queta.”