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.
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. Who is Neemias Queta?
Neemias Queta is a Portuguese professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics, born on July 13, 1999, in Lisbon. At 7’0” and 248 lbs, he became the first Portuguese-born NBA player after being drafted 39th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2021. Queta made his NBA debut in December 2021 and won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2024. He played college basketball at Utah State University, where he earned multiple defensive honors.
2. What is Neemias Queta’s net worth?
Neemias Queta’s net worth is estimated between $1.5–2 million. His earnings stem primarily from his NBA contracts, including a three-year, $7.18 million deal signed with the Boston Celtics in 2024. Endorsements and investments, such as his partnership with Adidas and stake in Hoopers (a Portuguese basketball startup), contribute to his financial portfolio.
3. What are Neemias Queta’s NBA career stats?
Through 112 career games (as of March 2025), Queta averages 4.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game in 12.2 minutes. His best season came in 2023–24 with Boston, where he posted 5.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He holds a career 64.4% field-goal percentage, peaking at 66.5% in 2024–25. His standout performance included 19 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in April 2024.
4. Which teams has Neemias Queta played for?
Queta began his pro career with Benfica (2017–18) in Portugal before joining the Sacramento Kings (2021–23) and their G League affiliate, Stockton Kings. In 2023, he signed with the Boston Celtics, splitting time with their G League team, Maine Celtics. As a Celtic, he earned his first NBA championship in 2024 and became the first Portuguese player to start an NBA game in November 2024.
5. What is Neemias Queta’s contract with the Boston Celtics?
In July 2024, Queta signed a three-year, $7.18 million contract with Boston. The deal includes $2.66 million guaranteed, with annual salaries of $2.16 million (2024–25), $2.35 million (2025–26), and $2.67 million (2026–27). Partial guarantees apply for future seasons, requiring roster retention by Opening Night for full payment. The contract reflects Boston’s confidence in his defensive potential.
6. How tall is Neemias Queta?
Queta stands 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm) tall and weighs 248 lbs (112 kg). His wingspan measures 7’4”, contributing to his shot-blocking prowess. His size and agility make him a formidable rim protector, ranking among the NBA’s top backup centers in blocks per 36 minutes (4.2% block rate in 2024–25).
7. What college did Neemias Queta attend?
Queta played college basketball at Utah State University from 2018–2021. As a freshman, he set the school’s single-season blocks record (84) and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He left as a two-time All-Mountain West selection and the conference’s first two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
8. What awards has Neemias Queta won?
Queta’s accolades include NBA champion (2024), Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021), and Mountain West Freshman of the Year (2019). He was named to the All-NBA G League First Team (2023) and the NBA G League All-Defensive Team (2023). Internationally, he led Portugal to gold at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B.
9. What is Neemias Queta’s role with the Boston Celtics?
Queta serves as Boston’s backup center, providing defensive energy, rebounding, and rim protection. Despite limited minutes (14.2 MPG in 2024–25), he anchors the second-unit defense and occasionally starts. His role expanded in 2024–25, with career highs in starts (6) and efficiency (66.5% FG). Fans and analysts praise his hustle, though critics note occasional defensive lapses.
10. Does Neemias Queta have any endorsement deals?
Queta partners with Adidas, wearing models like the AE1 Lows and Crazy 8s. He also co-founded Hoopers, a Portuguese basketball platform that raised €2.1 million in seed funding. While no major deals are public, his marketability is expected to grow with his NBA success. His investments and Adidas collaboration form his current endorsement portfolio.
