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. Standing at 7 feet tall, he played college basketball for Utah State before being drafted 39th overall in the 2021 NBA draft, making him the first Portuguese player ever drafted. He debuted in the NBA on December 17, 2021, becoming the first Portuguese player to play in the league. Queta also won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Started playing basketball

In 2009, Neemias Queta started playing basketball for Barreirense.

2017: Represented Portugal at FIBA U18 European Championship

In 2017, 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.

2017: Played for Benfica

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

August 2018: Signed with Utah State Aggies

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

November 2018: Strong Performance Against Saint Mary's

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

2018: Competed at FIBA U20 European Championship

In 2018, 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 and withdrew from NBA draft

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

2019: Led Portugal to Gold Medal at FIBA U20 European Championship

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

February 2021: Career-High Performance vs Boise State

In 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 and won NBA Summer League

In August 2021, Neemias Queta signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings and won the NBA Summer League, beating the Boston Celtics, 100–67.

December 2021: NBA Debut

In December 2021, Neemias Queta became the first Portuguese player to play in the NBA.

December 2021: NBA Debut and COVID-19 Protocols

In December 2021, Neemias Queta made his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies. He then entered COVID-19 protocols on December 21, but was cleared to return to the Kings on December 30.

January 2022: Return to G League and First NBA Points

In January 2022, Neemias Queta returned to the G League and recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds for Stockton in a win. Later that month, 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.

August 2023: Signed standard contract with Sacramento Kings

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

September 2023: Signed with Boston Celtics

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

November 2023: Personal Record and Tommy Award

In November 2023, Neemias Queta achieved a personal record of 10 rebounds and received a Tommy Award for defensive excellence after a home victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Later in December he recorded his first double-double.

2023: NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics

In 2023, Neemias Queta won a championship as part of the Boston Celtics.

April 2024: Strong performance vs Washington Wizards

On April 14, 2024, in the last game of the regular season, Neemias Queta scored 19 points and tallied nine rebounds, six blocks and one assist in just 19 minutes of playing time against the Washington Wizards.

April 2024: Signed standard contract with Boston Celtics

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