Welcome to Boston, Neemias Queta!!!

[Gant]

Bobby Manning‬:

Part 1 on my week with Neemias Queta in Lisbon as he prepares to lead Portugal in EuroBasket this month then take on a big role for the #Celtics in 25-26: "We’re not really the group that everybody points out as the best, but we’re gonna prove them otherwise."

Talked with Queta about EuroBasket, his bigger role ahead with the Celtics this summer and undergoing surgery on his left knee after the season ended to alleviate pain that's ailed him for several years now.

“I think it’s making sure I get in great shape, go out there and make elite decisions with the ball in my hands and making sure I get great finishes this year,” Queta said. “I also want to raise up my free throws, my free throw attempts, this year. Just wanna be aggressive and make sure I get my percentage up on the free throw line too. I think I always work on the threes no matter what, you never know when you’ll need one of them and even if I’m not a great shooter off the three-point line, if I’m open and I gotta shoot it, I’ll shoot it confidently.”

“(We’re) mainly just working on his touch around the rim, him just getting comfortable in screening without fouling,” Ridley said. “Then also working on his jump shot, perfecting his follow-through. He wants to expand his game to be able to stretch the floor and make threes, and I feel like in the offseason is where you work on stuff like that. So we’re working on little tedious things that just enhance what he has already.”

https://www.clnsmedia.com/neemias-queta-in-portugal-preparing-for-eurobasket-and-big-celtics-role

[Hal14]

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Great mindset for Queta to have. It continues to be clear that the Celtics really make a point of targeting certain *people* to add to this team. Mindset matters, character matters.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

Read on Twitter

[return2glory]

I feel Queta is going to surprise a lot of people this season. Maybe Luka too. That's the reason I don't want Boston to get a center this season in a gap year. Let these young centers get a chance to play and prove themselves. I'm looking forward to seeing both of them play this season. If we get Ben Simmons, their chance to play decreases. Even though you have play Simmons and Luka together because Luka can stretch the floor.

[Hal14]

I feel Queta is going to surprise a lot of people this season. Maybe Luka too. That's the reason I don't want Boston to get a center this season in a gap year. Let these young centers get a chance to play and prove themselves. I'm looking forward to seeing both of them play this season. If we get Ben Simmons, there chance to play decreases. Even though you have play Simmons and Luka together because Luka can stretch the floor.

Yeah it's a good opportunity for both Queta and Garza to develop and show what they can do. And for Tillman to show whether he can revert back to the player he was in Memphis and early in his tenure in Boston (basically his whole career before last season).

And for Amari, he's an older rookie. So a rookie as old as he is has a shorter leash..and a mid/late 2nd round pick has a shorter leash. So he should get some opportunity to develop and prove himself and give us a glimpse into how good he could possibly be at the NBA level.

If the roster stays as is, all 4 of them have a big opportunity this season - especially Queta and Garza.

[Hal14]

Bobby Manning‬:

Part 1 on my week with Neemias Queta in Lisbon as he prepares to lead Portugal in EuroBasket this month then take on a big role for the #Celtics in 25-26: "We’re not really the group that everybody points out as the best, but we’re gonna prove them otherwise."

Talked with Queta about EuroBasket, his bigger role ahead with the Celtics this summer and undergoing surgery on his left knee after the season ended to alleviate pain that's ailed him for several years now.

“I think it’s making sure I get in great shape, go out there and make elite decisions with the ball in my hands and making sure I get great finishes this year,” Queta said. “I also want to raise up my free throws, my free throw attempts, this year. Just wanna be aggressive and make sure I get my percentage up on the free throw line too. I think I always work on the threes no matter what, you never know when you’ll need one of them and even if I’m not a great shooter off the three-point line, if I’m open and I gotta shoot it, I’ll shoot it confidently.”

“(We’re) mainly just working on his touch around the rim, him just getting comfortable in screening without fouling,” Ridley said. “Then also working on his jump shot, perfecting his follow-through. He wants to expand his game to be able to stretch the floor and make threes, and I feel like in the offseason is where you work on stuff like that. So we’re working on little tedious things that just enhance what he has already.”

https://www.clnsmedia.com/neemias-queta-in-portugal-preparing-for-eurobasket-and-big-celtics-role

I LOVE all of that stuff. Really sounds like a breakout year could be coming for him.

Especially love the emphasis on working on his touch around the basket and screening without fouling. Love the attention to detail, and those things especially are definitely things he has to work on.

Only thing that concerns me is that we found out today that he did have offseason knee surgery. Hopefully his play doesn't suffer a lot..like guys like Time Lord, Kemba and Tillman did after knee surgery..

[Shak_Celts]

Bobby Manning‬:

Part 1 on my week with Neemias Queta in Lisbon as he prepares to lead Portugal in EuroBasket this month then take on a big role for the #Celtics in 25-26: "We’re not really the group that everybody points out as the best, but we’re gonna prove them otherwise."

Talked with Queta about EuroBasket, his bigger role ahead with the Celtics this summer and undergoing surgery on his left knee after the season ended to alleviate pain that's ailed him for several years now.

“I think it’s making sure I get in great shape, go out there and make elite decisions with the ball in my hands and making sure I get great finishes this year,” Queta said. “I also want to raise up my free throws, my free throw attempts, this year. Just wanna be aggressive and make sure I get my percentage up on the free throw line too. I think I always work on the threes no matter what, you never know when you’ll need one of them and even if I’m not a great shooter off the three-point line, if I’m open and I gotta shoot it, I’ll shoot it confidently.”

“(We’re) mainly just working on his touch around the rim, him just getting comfortable in screening without fouling,” Ridley said. “Then also working on his jump shot, perfecting his follow-through. He wants to expand his game to be able to stretch the floor and make threes, and I feel like in the offseason is where you work on stuff like that. So we’re working on little tedious things that just enhance what he has already.”

https://www.clnsmedia.com/neemias-queta-in-portugal-preparing-for-eurobasket-and-big-celtics-role

I LOVE all of that stuff. Really sounds like a breakout year could be coming for him.

Especially love the emphasis on working on his touch around the basket and screening without fouling. Love the attention to detail, and those things especially are definitely things he has to work on.

Only thing that concerns me is that we found out today that he did have offseason knee surgery. Hopefully his play doesn't suffer a lot..like guys like Time Lord, Kemba and Tillman did after knee surgery..

I could have sworn I saw the knee surgery story months ago. I’m almost certain.

Wait, was it Tillman I’m remembering?

I remember a big having knee surgery. Like a cleanup thing.

[phincsfan]

Bobby Manning‬:

Part 1 on my week with Neemias Queta in Lisbon as he prepares to lead Portugal in EuroBasket this month then take on a big role for the #Celtics in 25-26: "We’re not really the group that everybody points out as the best, but we’re gonna prove them otherwise."

Talked with Queta about EuroBasket, his bigger role ahead with the Celtics this summer and undergoing surgery on his left knee after the season ended to alleviate pain that's ailed him for several years now.

“I think it’s making sure I get in great shape, go out there and make elite decisions with the ball in my hands and making sure I get great finishes this year,” Queta said. “I also want to raise up my free throws, my free throw attempts, this year. Just wanna be aggressive and make sure I get my percentage up on the free throw line too. I think I always work on the threes no matter what, you never know when you’ll need one of them and even if I’m not a great shooter off the three-point line, if I’m open and I gotta shoot it, I’ll shoot it confidently.”

“(We’re) mainly just working on his touch around the rim, him just getting comfortable in screening without fouling,” Ridley said. “Then also working on his jump shot, perfecting his follow-through. He wants to expand his game to be able to stretch the floor and make threes, and I feel like in the offseason is where you work on stuff like that. So we’re working on little tedious things that just enhance what he has already.”

https://www.clnsmedia.com/neemias-queta-in-portugal-preparing-for-eurobasket-and-big-celtics-role

First I'm learning Neems had knee issues.

I think I've read that 50% of players have some type of treatment on their knees during their career.

Well, the C's have him cheap for two more seasons and if there's a season where they'll find out what they have in Neems, it's this season. It should also give a good indication of his durability.

[bucknersrevenge]

Read on Twitter

Great mindset for Queta to have. It continues to be clear that the Celtics really make a point of targeting certain *people* to add to this team. Mindset matters, character matters.

Absolutely. I'm cautiously optimistic about Amari. Has the physical traits for the position. Seems like he has the motivation. I'll be rooting for him.

[Gant]

Bobby Manning‬

Portugal (#54) overcame a 34-17 deficit early and stunned #5 Spain for what I'm told was their first win basketball win ever by its national team against their neighbor - 76-74

Queta: 15 PTS 9 REB (5 OREB) 3 AST & had the game-winning dunk with 3.8 seconds left

Queta only played a little over 19 minutes due to being in the recovery phase after his knee procedure. From those clips, the knee looked fine. He threw a few great passes.

Watch on YouTube

[bucknersrevenge]

Bobby Manning‬

Portugal (#54) overcame a 34-17 deficit early and stunned #5 Spain for what I'm told was their first win basketball win ever by its national team against their neighbor - 76-74

Queta: 15 PTS 9 REB (5 OREB) 3 AST & had the game-winning dunk with 3.8 seconds left

Timi says 17 points, 9 rebs for Queta.

Watch on YouTube

Looked more fluid. Liked the passing, especially the dumpoff off the spin move. Still crashes the glass hard. And none of his points came out of any action that we wouldn't see in Boston next year.

[Gant]

This is exactly the article you'd hope to read in this situation, isn't it?

In a heart-pounding clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Portugal delivered a jaw-dropping upset, nipping Spain 76-74 in a crucial preparation match for the 2025 . The electric atmosphere in Malaga was a fitting backdrop for a game that showcased Portugal’s burgeoning might against one of Europe’s basketball powerhouses. This isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. With Neemias Queta leading the charge like a general on the court, Portugal proved they’ve got the grit to turn dreams into reality.

Queta was nothing short of a force of nature, racking up 15 points, snagging nine rebounds, and dishing out three assists. His presence was the spark that ignited a breathtaking comeback from a 44-31 halftime deficit. Travante Williams added 14 points to the tally, fanning the flames of Portugal’s resurgence. For a team ranked 22nd, this victory is a thunderous roar of intent—a signal that they’re ready to dance with the giants of European basketball.

https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/basketball/2689826-portugal-stuns-spain-in-epic-eurobasket-prep-win

[Hal14]

Bobby Manning‬

Portugal (#54) overcame a 34-17 deficit early and stunned #5 Spain for what I'm told was their first win basketball win ever by its national team against their neighbor - 76-74

Queta: 15 PTS 9 REB (5 OREB) 3 AST & had the game-winning dunk with 3.8 seconds left

Queta only played a little over 19 minutes due to being in the recovery phase after his knee procedure. From those clips, the knee looked fine. He threw a few great passes.

Watch on YouTube

Neemy looks good here. Really like those 2 passes.

He didn't have the winning dunk with 3.8 seconds left though. Watching Timi's video, Portugal was already up by 1 when he dunked that..the dunk just extended their lead from 1 to 3.

[Gant]

Spain and Portugal played again. Queta slipped with a couple of minutes left, looked like he might have strained something in his right leg, and left the game at that point. He had 12 points on 5-7, 5 rebs, and 3 blocks in 14 and a half minutes, and was +7 in a one point loss for Portugal.

He looks lighter and faster, with a more diversified offense. There are reasons to be optimistic about Queta.

Watch on YouTube

[brackdan70]

Hope Queta is alright. Seemed minor but idk.
He looks good. Looked like he was holding his hip area….maybe got a pointer or a bruise.

[Hal14]

Hopefully the Celtics have him sit out the rest of the tournament, as a precaution. Not worth risking injury:

Read on Twitter

Don't want another Gallinari situation where he tore his ACL in a non-NBA game.

[colincb]

Certainly was an impressive outing playing limited minutes.

Why Queta wasn't given more playoff minutes when Porzingus was obviously sick and an unplayable liability is just another example I have of JM's performance as a game coach.

[bucknersrevenge]

Spain and Portugal played again. Queta slipped with a couple of minutes left, looked like he might have strained something in his right leg, and left the game at that point. He had 12 points on 5-7, 5 rebs, and 3 blocks in 14 and a half minutes, and was +7 in a one point loss for Portugal.

He looks lighter and faster, with a more diversified offense. There are reasons to be optimistic about Queta.

Watch on YouTube

I'm cautiously optimistic about a Boucher-Queta backline in a bridge year. Neither are guys that have done more than spot start on occasion but I think both are hungry to show that they are capable of more. As a defensive playmaking frontcourt, you could probably do a lot worse. Interested to see how Joe builds chemistry with this pairing.

[31to6]

Based on these highlights of 14.5 minutes played against Spain I think it's fair to say that
a) Neeimas is on track to be one of the all-time greats in this sport
and also
b) he blew up his knee and his career is over

[Shak_Celts]

Hopefully the Celtics have him sit out the rest of the tournament, as a precaution. Not worth risking injury:

Read on Twitter

Don't want another Gallinari situation where he tore his ACL in a non-NBA game.

I almost died. No but for real, why is he playing when this is about to be a pivotal season in his career? He already had surgery.