Career Timeline of Neemias Queta: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Neemias Queta made an impact.

Neemias Queta is a Portuguese professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Drafted 39th overall in 2021, he holds the distinction of being the first Portuguese player ever drafted and to play in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet tall, the center played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies. Queta won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24, earning the nickname "Neem the Dream".

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Started Playing Basketball

In 2009, Neemias Queta began his basketball career playing for Barreirense.

2017: Played for Benfica

During the 2017-18 season, Neemias Queta played two professional games for Benfica in the Portuguese Basketball League.

2017: FIBA U18 European Championship

In 2017, Neemias Queta represented Portugal at the FIBA U18 European Championship Division B in Estonia, averaging 10.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

August 2018: Signed with Utah State Aggies

On 29 August 2018, Neemias Queta signed to play college basketball for the Utah State Aggies in the United States.

August 2018: Parted ways with Benfica

On 31 August 2018, Neemias Queta parted ways with Benfica.

November 2018: Standout Performance Against Saint Mary's

On 19 November 2018, Neemias Queta recorded 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks in an 80–63 win over Saint Mary's.

2018: FIBA U20 European Championship

In 2018, Neemias Queta competed at the FIBA U20 European Championship Division B in Bulgaria, averaging 14.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game.

2019: Declared for the NBA draft

In 2019, Neemias Queta declared for the NBA draft before withdrawing and returning to college.

2019: Gold Medal at FIBA U20 European Championship

In 2019, Neemias Queta led Portugal to a gold medal at the FIBA U20 European Championship Division B in Portugal. He averaged 14.3 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game, earning all-tournament team honors.

February 2021: Career-High Performance vs. Boise State

On 17 February 2021, Neemias Queta posted a career-high 32 points and 10 rebounds in a 79–70 loss to Boise State.

August 2021: Signed with Sacramento Kings

On 8 August 2021, Neemias Queta signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings, splitting time with the Stockton Kings, their NBA G League affiliate. On 17 August 2021, the Sacramento Kings won the NBA Summer League.

December 2021: NBA Debut and COVID-19 Protocols

On 17 December 2021, Neemias Queta made his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies. On 21 December, he entered COVID-19 protocols, but was cleared to return on 30 December.

December 2021: NBA Debut

On 17 December 2021, Neemias Queta made his NBA debut for the Sacramento Kings against the Memphis Grizzlies, recording five rebounds, an assist and a block.

January 2022: Return to G League and First NBA Points

On 5 January 2022, Neemias Queta returned to the G League, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds for Stockton. On 11 January 2022, Queta became the first Portuguese player to score points in the NBA, recording 11 points and 5 rebounds in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2022: Selection for G League Next Up Game

In 2022, Neemias Queta was named to the G League's inaugural Next Up Game.

August 2023: Signed Standard Contract with Sacramento Kings

On 8 August 2023, Neemias Queta signed a standard contract with Sacramento.

September 2023: Signed with Boston Celtics

On 19 September 2023, Neemias Queta signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics.

November 2023: Strong Performance and Tommy Award

In November 2023, on 26 November, Neemias Queta had seven points and a personal record of 10 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics defeat the Atlanta Hawks and he was awarded a Tommy Award.

April 2024: Strong Performance in Regular Season Finale

On 14 April 2024, in the last game of the regular season, Neemias Queta scored 19 points with nine rebounds and six blocks in a victory over the Washington Wizards.

April 2024: Signed Standard Contract with Boston Celtics

On 8 April 2024, Neemias Queta signed a standard contract with the Boston Celtics following positive performances with the Maine Celtics in the G League playoffs.

July 2024: Signed Three-Year Contract with Celtics

On 6 July 2024, Neemias Queta signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract with the Celtics.

November 29, 2025: Career-High Rebounds

On November 29, 2025, Neemias Queta scored 19 points and recorded a career high 18 rebounds in a 119-115 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2025: Led Portugal at EuroBasket

In 2025, Neemias Queta led Portugal at EuroBasket. On 27 August, Queta had 23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, leading Portugal to a 62–50 win over Czechia.

March 1, 2026: Career-High Points

On March 1, 2026, Neemias Queta recorded a career-high 27 points to go along with 17 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 114–98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.