Neemias Queta, the towering 7-foot center from Lisbon, Portugal, has carved a unique path in basketball history. As the first Portuguese-born NBA player, his journey from local courts to becoming an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics is a story of grit and determination. From breaking barriers to securing a multi-million-dollar contract, Queta’s career reflects his relentless drive.
Let’s explore his personal life, career milestones, financial achievements, and impact on the game.
Neemias Queta’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neemias Esdras Barbosa Queta |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Education | Utah State University (2018–2021) |
| Nationality | Portuguese (Parents from Guinea-Bissau) |
| Height | 7’0” (213 cm) |
| Weight | 248 lbs (112 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–2 million |
| Salary (2024–25) | $2,162,606 |
| Career Earnings | Over $2.5 million |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Neemias Queta’s basketball journey began on the sunlit courts of Barreirense, a local club in his hometown of Lisbon, Portugal.
At just 10 years old, he towered over peers, his height and agility quickly marking him as a standout. By his mid-teens, coaches recognized his rare combination of size and coordination, pushing him to refine his defensive instincts and footwork. Though Portugal lacked the basketball infrastructure of other European nations, Queta’s raw talent shone through.
In 2017, at age 18, he joined Sport Lisboa e Benfica, one of Portugal’s premier sports clubs. While he only appeared in two professional games for Benfica’s senior team, his brief stint showcased his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding tenacity. Behind the scenes, he dominated practice sessions, often matching up against older, seasoned players.
This period sharpened his understanding of professional basketball’s physical demands, preparing him for a leap across the Atlantic. Queta’s life changed in 2018 when Utah State University offered him a scholarship. Moving to Logan, Utah, he faced cultural and linguistic hurdles—English wasn’t his first language, and American basketball’s fast-paced style contrasted with Europe’s tactical approach.
Yet his freshman season (2018–19) silenced doubters: he averaged 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, anchoring Utah State’s defense. His 84 total blocks that year shattered the school’s single-season record and ranked fourth nationally in NCAA Division I. Opponents quickly learned to avoid the paint when Queta lurked nearby.
His sophomore year (2019–20) saw him refine his offensive game, adding a reliable hook shot and improving his free-throw percentage to 63%. Though a knee injury limited him to 22 games, he still earned All-Mountain West Second Team honors. By his junior season (2020–21), Queta became a household name in college basketball.
He posted 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, leading Utah State to the NCAA Tournament. His 97 blocks that season ranked second in the nation, and he became the first player in Mountain West history to win Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Professional Career
Neemias Queta’s NBA journey began with a historic moment in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Sacramento Kings selected him with the 39th overall pick, making him the first Portuguese-born player ever drafted into the league. This milestone resonated far beyond basketball circles, sparking national pride in Portugal and inspiring a new generation of young players.
The Kings recognized Queta’s potential, signing him to a two-way contract that allowed him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Queta’s NBA debut came on December 17, 2021, against the Memphis Grizzlies.
In just eight minutes of play, he grabbed five rebounds and recorded a block, offering a glimpse of his defensive impact. While his NBA minutes were limited during his rookie season, Queta flourished in the G League. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for Stockton, showcasing his ability to dominate at the professional level. His standout performance came in January 2022, when he posted a monster line of 21 points and 12 rebounds against the Santa Cruz Warriors.
The 2022-23 season saw Queta continue to develop, splitting time between Sacramento and Stockton. His G League performances earned him a spot in the G League’s Next Up Game, an honor recognizing the league’s top young talent. Despite limited NBA playing time, Queta’s popularity among Kings fans was evident when he received the team’s highest number of public votes for the 2022 All-Star Game, a testament to his growing fanbase.
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A significant shift in Queta’s career came in 2023 when he signed with the Boston Celtics. The move to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises presented new opportunities and challenges. Initially assigned to the Maine Celtics in the G League, Queta’s hard work and consistent performances caught the attention of Boston’s coaching staff. His patience paid off during the 2023-24 season when injuries to key players opened up more playing time. Queta seized his chance, delivering a breakout performance in April 2024.
In the regular-season finale against the Washington Wizards, he exploded for 19 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks, showcasing his full potential on both ends of the court. This performance not only solidified his place in the Celtics’ rotation but also hinted at his future as a key contributor The pinnacle of Queta’s early career came in June 2024 when the Boston Celtics clinched the NBA championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in a thrilling seven-game series.
Though his role was limited during the playoffs, becoming an NBA champion in just his third professional season marked a significant milestone in his career and for Portuguese basketball as a whole. Entering the 2024-25 season, Queta’s role with the Celtics expanded significantly.
He earned his first career start in November 2024, responding with a solid performance of 10 points and seven rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks. This start wasn’t a one-off; Queta began to feature more regularly in the Celtics’ rotation, providing valuable minutes as a backup center and occasional starter.
Neemias Queta’s Net Worth Details
Neemias Queta’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5–2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Neemias Queta’s contract with the Boston Celtics, signed in July 2024, is a three-year deal worth $7,180,128. The contract includes $2,662,606 guaranteed at signing, with an average annual salary of $2,393,376. For the 2024-25 season, Queta is earning a base salary of $2,162,606, which accounts for 1.54% of the league’s salary cap.
The contract has team-friendly terms for the following seasons. In 2025-26, Queta is set to earn $2,349,578, but only $1,174,789 is initially guaranteed. This amount becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster by Opening Night of that season. For the 2026-27 season, his salary increases to $2,667,944, with $1,333,972 guaranteed if the team picks up his option.
Similar to the previous year, this amount becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster by Opening Night. This structure gives the Celtics flexibility while also providing Queta with increasing earning potential as he continues to develop and contribute to the team.
Salary
Neemias Queta’s 2024–25 salary of $2,162,606 positions him as the Celtics’ 11th-highest-paid player, consuming just 1.54% of the team’s salary cap. This figure marks a 142.7% increase from his 2023–24 earnings, reflecting his growing role in Boston’s rotation. His three-year, $7.18 million contract includes partial guarantees for future seasons: only $1,174,789 of his $2.35 million salary for 2025–26 is initially guaranteed, becoming fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster by Opening Night.
Similarly, $1.33 million of his 2026–27 salary ($2.67 million total) locks in under the same conditions. While Queta’s current earnings rank him 389th among NBA players overall, his team-friendly deal offers the Celtics flexibility while rewarding his development as a defensive anchor. The contract’s average annual value of $2.39 million underscores Boston’s bet on his long-term potential as a rim-protecting backup center.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Sacramento Kings | $462,629 |
| 2022-23 | Sacramento Kings | $508,891 |
| 2023-24 | Sacramento Kings | $250,000 |
| 2023-24 | Boston Celtics | $641,035 |
| 2024-25 | Boston Celtics | $2,162,606 |
| Total | $4,025,161 |
Endorsements
Neemias Queta’s endorsement portfolio includes a partnership with Adidas, though specific deal terms remain undisclosed. He has been spotted wearing Adidas models like the AE1 Lows, Crazy 8s, and Trae Unlimited during games and training sessions.
Beyond footwear, Queta co-founded Hoopers, a Portuguese basketball startup connecting fans, brands, and athletes through digital and physical platforms. His investment, alongside WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro, helped the company secure €2.1 million in seed funding. While no other major endorsements are public, his rising NBA profile and historic status as Portugal’s first NBA player position him for future brand collaborations.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | BPG | MPG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Sacramento | 15 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 8.0 | .644 | .680 |
| 2022–23 | Sacramento | 20 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 9.5 | .612 | .710 |
| 2023–24 | Boston | 45 | 5.5 | 4.4 | 0.8 | 11.9 | .655 | .720 |
| 2024–25* | Boston | 32 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 14.2 | .665 | .745 |
| Career | 112 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 12.2 | .644 | .745 |
FAQs
1. What is Neemias Queta’s nationality and main NBA position?
Queta is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays as a center, making history as the first player from Portugal to reach the NBA.
2. Where did Queta play college basketball, and what were her standout achievements?
She played for Utah State University, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors twice, known for her shot-blocking, rebounding, and double-double averages.
3. When was Queta drafted and by which NBA team did she start her career?
The Sacramento Kings selected her in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, making her the first Portuguese player drafted and bringing national pride to Portugal’s basketball community.
4. How has Queta performed in the NBA and for which other teams has she played?
She began with the Kings, developing in both the NBA and G League, and later signed with the Boston Celtics, where she has contributed as a backup big man with energy and rim protection.
5. What are Queta’s main strengths and attributes as a professional basketball player?
Her size, shot-blocking instincts, timing as a defender, and rebounding make her a valuable presence in the paint, while coaches praise her work ethic and ability to anchor second units.
6. How do analysts view Queta’s long-term potential in the NBA?
Analysts describe her as a high-upside project due to mobility for her size and feel for the game, projecting that increased experience could lead to a regular rotation role or spot starts.
7. Has Queta represented Portugal in international basketball competitions?
She has played for the Portuguese national team in FIBA competitions, helping to raise the profile of Portuguese basketball and inspiring more players from her home country.
8. What challenges did Queta overcome to reach the NBA from Portugal?
Transitioning from Portugal’s leagues to American college basketball required major adaptation to speed and competition, but her rapid improvement drew NBA scouts’ attention.
9. What is Queta’s reputation among teammates and coaches?
Coaches praise her humility, willingness to put in extra work, and positive attitude in the locker room, while teammates value her shot-blocking presence and enthusiasm.
10. What are Queta’s goals as her NBA career continues?
Queta aims to establish herself as a reliable rotation player, help the Celtics in postseason runs, and pave a path for future Portuguese athletes to follow in her NBA footsteps.
