Neemias Queta burst onto the EuroBasket stage with a performance that turned heads. In Portugal’s stunning upset over Czechia—the country’s first victory in the competition in 18 years—the 7-foot center dominated with 23 points and 18 rebounds. It was a statement game, showcasing Queta’s potential as a force in the paint and a glimpse of why the Boston Celtics are banking on him as their starting center for the upcoming NBA season. But the euphoria of that opening win quickly faded, as Portugal faced stiffer competition in Serbia and Turkey, exposing cracks in Queta’s game that could make Boston’s gamble a risky one.
Against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, Portugal fell 80-69, and Queta’s impact was muted. The Sacramento Kings’ two-time MVP feasted, dropping 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Queta managed just six points, two rebounds, and two assists on 2-of-5 shooting. The following day, Portugal’s struggles continued in a 95-54 rout at the hands of Alperen Sengun and Turkey. Queta improved slightly, posting 15 points and seven rebounds on 4-of-8 shooting, but Sengun’s 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists underscored the gap between Queta and the elite big men he’ll face in the NBA.
To be fair, Queta wasn’t alone in Portugal’s struggles. Serbia boasts NBA talents like Nikola Jovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Tristan Vuckevic alongside Jokic, while Turkey fields a deep roster with Adem Bona, Shane Larkin, Cedi Osman, Omer Yurtseven, Furkan Korkmaz, and Onuralp Bitim—all players with NBA experience or pedigree. Outside of Queta, Portugal’s roster lacks that caliber of talent, making it tough to compete against such stacked lineups. Still, Queta’s performances against these teams highlighted areas of his game that need serious work if he’s to anchor Boston’s frontcourt.
Stamina is a glaring concern. Queta, who isn’t accustomed to heavy minutes, appeared gassed at times, struggling to keep up with the relentless pace of international play. Running the floor for 25-30 minutes a night in the NBA will be an even greater challenge, especially in Boston’s up-tempo system. His positioning on both ends of the court also left much to be desired. Defensively, Queta was often out of place, allowing Jokic and Sengun to exploit mismatches and rack up easy buckets. Offensively, his lack of awareness led to missed opportunities and turnovers, putting Portugal—and potentially the Celtics—in tough spots.
Foul trouble is another issue that plagued Queta in EuroBasket. His aggressive play style, while admirable, often led to unnecessary fouls, limiting his time on the court and disrupting his rhythm. Additionally, his finishing around the rim needs polish. Despite his 7-foot frame and athleticism, Queta missed several high-percentage shots, a problem that could haunt him against NBA rim protectors.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom for Queta. His EuroBasket debut showed flashes of why Boston is excited about his potential. His vision from the post was impressive, as he found cutters and open teammates with surprising ease for a big man. His confidence around the rim, when he wasn’t rushed or overpowered, hinted at a player capable of being a reliable finisher in the pick-and-roll—a key role for Boston’s offense alongside stars like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
For Queta to succeed as Boston’s starting center, he doesn’t need to be a superstar. The Celtics’ system doesn’t require him to carry the scoring load or create his own shot. Instead, he must excel in the fundamentals: set strong screens, roll hard to the rim, finish lobs, and protect the paint without racking up fouls. His defensive presence will be critical, especially against physical bigs like Jokic, Sengun, or Joel Embiid, whom he’ll face regularly in the Eastern Conference.
EuroBasket has been a wake-up call for Queta, exposing the gaps in his game while reinforcing his potential. With the Celtics projected to start him at center next season, the stakes are higher than ever. Boston is taking a gamble on a relatively unproven big man, and Queta’s ability to address his weaknesses—stamina, positioning, foul discipline, and finishing—will determine whether that bet pays off or leaves the defending champions vulnerable in the paint. For now, Queta’s EuroBasket run serves as both a highlight reel and a cautionary tale, a reminder that potential alone won’t cut it in the NBA’s unforgiving spotlight.