As the Boston Celtics gear up for another championship run, all eyes are on Neemias Queta, the 26-year-old center from Lisbon, Portugal, who has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the starting center role for the 2025-26 NBA season. Fresh off a standout performance at EuroBasket, where he went toe-to-toe with global superstars like Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, and Kristaps Porzingis, Queta has proven he’s ready to seize this pivotal moment in his career. But it’s not just his on-court battles that have prepared him for this opportunity—it’s the meticulous work he’s put in off the court that’s truly shaping him into a force to be reckoned with.
In a recent appearance on Celtics Insiders with host Marc D’Amico, Queta opened up about the cornerstone of his offseason preparation: his transformative work in the weight room. “We’ve been able to attack some of my weaknesses and get stronger in those,” Queta shared, his words carrying the quiet confidence of someone who’s put in the hours. The results? Enhanced body control, sharper defensive positioning, and a newfound ability to hold his ground against the NBA’s toughest bigs. “I’m able to stay in front of guys, maintain positioning without losing control of my arms,” he explained. “Things like that go a long way, and I feel like it’ll show this year.”
This focus on physical refinement isn’t just about bulking up—it’s about precision. Queta’s dedication to addressing specific weaknesses has turned him into a more disciplined and versatile player, ready to handle the rigors of an 82-game season and the high-stakes pressure of playoff basketball. For a Celtics team that thrives on adaptability, Queta’s improved physicality could be the X-factor in their quest to defend their 2023-24 championship title.
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While Queta is the leading candidate to start at center, the fourth-year veteran remains unfazed by the spotlight. When asked about the starting role, he brushed off the question with a perspective that belies his 26 years. “I’m not really thinking about that right now,” Queta told D’Amico. “It’s going to be a long year. I might start a couple [of] games; X [Xavier Tillman Sr.] might start a couple [of] games. Chris [Boucher] might start, Luka [Garza], Amari [Williams], we’ve got a bunch of options. And at the end of the day, what matters is winning.”
This team-first mentality is a hallmark of the Celtics’ culture, and Queta embodies it perfectly. His focus isn’t on personal accolades or starting lineups—it’s on contributing to a legacy. “In Boston, nobody really remembers individual players; they remember teams,” he said. It’s a mindset that prioritizes collective success over individual glory, a philosophy that has fueled Boston’s storied history of championships.
Queta’s approach has already endeared him to Celtics fans, who have a deep appreciation for players who embrace the green and white with heart and hustle. As the NBA’s first player from Portugal and a member of Boston’s 2023-24 championship squad, Queta has already carved out a special place in the franchise’s history. But this season offers him a chance to elevate his legacy further.
Celtics fans have a unique connection with their players, from legends like Paul Pierce to beloved role players like Kenny Anderson, Avery Bradley, Gerald Green, Dino Radja, Dana Barros, Evan Turner, and even Phil Pressey, who transitioned from point guard to coach. Whether stars or scrappers, those who don the Celtics jersey become part of a family—a bond that endures long after their playing days are over. Queta, with his work ethic, humility, and undeniable talent, is well on his way to strengthening that connection.
As the 2025-26 season looms, Queta stands at a crossroads. His performances at EuroBasket showcased his ability to compete with the world’s best, while his offseason work has honed his body and sharpened his skills. Now, with a potential starting role in one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, he has a platform to showcase his growth on a global stage.
But for Queta, it’s not about the spotlight—it’s about the work. His commitment to self-improvement, his team-first mentality, and his embrace of the Celtics’ culture make him the ideal candidate to anchor Boston’s frontcourt. As he steps into this golden opportunity, Queta isn’t just playing for himself—he’s playing for a city, a team, and a legacy that transcends the individual.