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 currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet tall, Queta plays center. He began his basketball journey in 2009, played collegiately for Utah State, and was drafted 39th overall in the 2021 NBA draft, making history as the first Portuguese player ever drafted. In December 2021, he became the first Portuguese player to play in the NBA. Queta won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024, where he is known as "Neem the Dream".

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Start of Basketball Career

In 2009, Neemias Queta started playing basketball for Barreirense.

2017: FIBA U18 European Championship Division B

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

2017: Professional Games for Benfica

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

August 2018: Signing with Utah State Aggies

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

August 2018: Departure from Benfica

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

November 2018: Performance Against Saint Mary's

On November 19, 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 Division B

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: FIBA U20 European Championship Division B Gold Medal

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

February 2021: Career-High Performance vs. Boise State

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

August 2021: NBA Draft and Summer League Win

In August 2021, Neemias Queta was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the NBA draft, becoming the first Portuguese player drafted in the NBA. He also signed a two-way contract with Sacramento, and the Sacramento Kings won the NBA Summer League on August 17, 2021.

December 2021: First Portuguese Player in the NBA

In December 17, 2021, Neemias Queta became the first player from Portugal to play in the NBA.

December 2021: NBA Debut

On December 17, 2021, Neemias Queta made his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies, grabbing five rebounds and adding an assist and a block.

January 2022: Return to the G League and First NBA Points

In January 2022, Neemias Queta returned to the G League, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds for Stockton. On January 11, 2022, he 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: G League Next Up Game Selection

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

August 2023: Signing and Waiving by Sacramento Kings

In August 2023, Neemias Queta signed a standard contract with Sacramento, but was waived on September 12.

September 2023: Signing with the Boston Celtics

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

November 2023: Tommy Award and Personal Record of 10 Rebounds

On November 26, 2023, Neemias Queta contributed with seven points and a personal record of 10 rebounds in the NBA to the Boston Celtics' home victory over the Atlanta Hawks. He was also awarded a Tommy Award for his defensive impact.

2023: NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics

In 2023, Neemias Queta won an NBA championship as part of the Boston Celtics, who gave him the nickname "Neem the Dream".

April 2024: Performance in Regular Season Game Against Wizards

In the last game of the regular season on April 14, 2024, Queta scored 19 points and tallied nine rebounds, six blocks and one assist in a 132–122 victory over the Washington Wizards.

April 2024: Signing a Standard Contract with the Boston Celtics

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

July 2024: Signing Three-Year Contract with Celtics

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

November 29, 2025: Career High 18 Rebounds

On November 29, 2025, Neemias Queta scored 19 points and recorded a career high 18 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards, in a 119-115 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2025: EuroBasket 2025

In 2025, Neemias Queta led Portugal at EuroBasket. On August 27, Queta had a double-double of 23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals and a efficiency rating of 39, leading Portugal to a 62–50 win over Czechia.

March 1, 2026: Career High 27 Points

On March 1, 2026, Neemias Queta recorded a career-high 27 points to go along with 17 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive, and 3 blocks in a 114–98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.