As EuroBasket, starting Aug. 27, nears, the event's social media team ran a recent interview with Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta. One of the questions posed to him inquired about his first basketball jersey.
"My first basketball jersey, I think it was a Celtics, Kevin Garnett jersey," shared Queta. "It wasn't mine. It was my sister's, but I used to rock it a lot."
When your first jersey is the team you end up playing for ☘️#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/mJfc3wV0zq
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 25, 2025
It's fitting that his first jersey belonged to a Boston big man. Queta won't bear the responsibility of helping to resuscitate a franchise. However, he is taking on the task of playing a leading role in stabilizing the Celtics' center position this season.
The Lisbon, Portugal native is the frontrunner to start at the five for Boston. As he prepares for that opportunity, being in excellent shape and proving he's reliable with the ball are points of emphasis for him during his offseason training. The same goes for ensuring he consistently capitalizes on his attempts around the rim.
"I think it's making sure I get in great shape," Queta told Bobby Manning of CLNS Media. "Go out there and make elite decisions with the ball in my hands, and making sure I get great finishes this year. I also want to, like, raise up my free-throw attempts this year. Just want to be aggressive and make sure I get my percentage up on the free-throw line, too."
EuroBasket could serve as a springboard for Queta
It's common for NBA free agents to earn their next opportunity through their play during international offseason tournaments. While Queta has a job, what he does at EuroBasket this summer could be a momentum boost that he carries with him after Portugal's tournament run is over.
The 26-year-old center looked sharp during exhibition play. The four-year veteran's first chance to showcase his growth this offseason during pool play is Aug. 27 against the Czech Republic.
In those tune-up tilts, Queta consistently converted when he got the ball around the basket. It will also be interesting to see how he fares protecting the rim while avoiding foul trouble. The same goes for not letting his athletic and shot-blocking abilities get the best of him.
Last season, he worked diligently to improve regarding not abandoning his assignment or leaving the ground, trying to send back shots he had a low percentage of getting to. That often led to the person he was guarding getting two points on an uncontested put-back.
Offensively, perhaps he'll even knock down a few shots from behind the arc. However, as evidenced by his offseason priorities, he understands that's a complementary component. His ability to finish reliably around the rim and make good decisions with the ball matter more to excelling in his role.