Celtics’ Neemias Queta becomes first Portuguese player to start an NBA game

By Khari A.

Thompson Celtics center Neemias Queta became the first Portuguese player to start an NBA game on Monday night, according to Drew Carter of NBC Sports Boston.

Its one of several firsts for Queta, who became the first Portuguese player to play in an NBA game in 2021 and the first Portuguese player to win an NBA championship last June.

Queta was one of six Celtics to score in double figures Monday night, posting 10 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes in the 123-93 blowout win over the Hawks.

Hes just grown a lot as a player and quite honestly he doesnt know how good he can be, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.

Hes got a great ceiling.

So, the standard is very high.

I thought he did some great things for us tonight, but when youre as good as he can be youve just got to hold him to that standard every single night.

Its a credit to him for just allowing us to coach him and a credit to the guys for supporting him, but you see what hes capable of when hes at his best, Mazzulla added.

He could be a real asset for us this season.

He works really hard.

He cares.

He wants to be coached ...

hes starting to realize how good he can be and hes working at it.

Queta, who was an All-NBA G-League First team and All NBA G-League All-Defensive team selection last year with the Maine Celtics, has seen a slight uptick in minutes with Kristaps Porzingis out.

The Celtics began the game with a double-big lineup, playing Queta at the five and Al Horford at the four.

Queta slammed an alley-oop from Jrue Holiday around two minutes into the game.

He was active on both ends of the floor, tying Kornet for the team lead with seven rebounds.

He blocked a shot, had a steal, and went 4-for-7 from the field while committing just two fouls.

I think hes just a little more comfortable, Celtics guard Derrick White said of Quetas development before the game.

He knows where to be at.

He seems to be in the right place at the right time and obviously we know offensive rebounds and him as an athlete.

Its a little different from the other bigs we have, and so its a nice change of pace.

I think Neemy is our most athletic big, White added.

I dont think thats controversial.

Sorry, Luke (Kornet).

A little more athletic and hes just moving well out there.

Queta split time between Maine and Boston last year, spending 28 games with the Celtics and eight with the Maine Celtics.

He has yet to appear in a G-League game this season.

With Porzingis out and the Celtics in need of front-court depth, the 25-year-old Queta will continue to have opportunities to show what he can do.

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Khari A.

Thompson Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com.

Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.

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