In what could be one of his final tune-ups before possibly becoming the Boston Celtics starting center, Neemias Queta dominated on Saturday during Portugal’s Round of 16 loss against Germany at EuroBasket 2025.
Queta posted a double-double in the defeat, leading all players in points and rebounds with 18 and 11, respectively. No other Portuguese player had more than eight points or six rebounds.
Portugal led 32-31 at halftime and only trailed 52-51 entering the fourth quarter before Germany pulled away in the final frame for an 85-58 win.
“Germany hadn’t trailed by more than 5 entering knockout stage. Portugal led by (1) at halftime. Former’s 31 points were least they’ve had at intermission. Tale of 2 half’s, but valiant upset attempt. Queta: 18 points – game high 4/9 2PAs, 1/2 3PAs, 7/9 FTs 11 rebounds – game high 2 steals 1 block,” Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky posted on Bluesky. “Very encouraging showing from Queta at EuroBasket. A great way to prepare for his chance to be the Celtics’ starting center.”
Queta’s effort comes on the heels of former Boston center Kristaps Porzingis’ noteworthy comments on the 26-year-old big man.
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Porzingis (who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks over the summer) was asked on Monday about the chances of his former teammate starting for the Celtics in the upcoming season.
“Starter? Good question,” Porzingis said after playing against Queta in a group-stage game at EuroBasket 2025. “Who else is there? I don’t know. I haven’t thought about their roster, honestly, too deep.”
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The 2021 second-round pick appeared in a career-high 62 contests last season, making the first six starts of his career as well. Queta finished the 2024-25 campaign averaging 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 13.9 minutes per contest, while shooting 65.0% from the field.
