ESPN included Neemias Queta among its list of the top-10 NBA players participating in EuroBasket this summer. The Boston Celtics' center earned the 10th spot in those rankings.
Queta is the only player in NBA history from Portugal. The Lisbon native is the frontrunner to start at center for the Celtics this season. As he trains for that opportunity, he's delivering an encouraging showcase overseas.
He played his way onto ESPN's rankings through his production in Portugal's games leading up to EuroBasket next week. Queta is averaging 13.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in exhibition play. Doing his damage around the rim, the seven-foot-center converted on 20-26 field goal attempts.
EuroBasket's group stage begins Aug. 27. Headliners expected to participate include Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), and Luka Doncic (Slovenia).
Kristaps Porzingis is also among the competition's noteworthy names. After an injury prevented him from doing so previously, the former Celtics center will finally get his chance to suit up for Latvia.
That also happens to be one of the four host countries. The others are Finland, Poland, and Cyprus.
There are four pools featuring six teams. The top four in each group will advance to the knockout stage. The 16-team elimination round will run from Sep. 6 to Sep. 17.
Queta and Portugal begin their quest for EuroBasket glory Aug. 27 with a game against the Czech Republic.
Neemias Queta's offseason focus
The four-year veteran is competing for a starting role against Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman Sr. Amari Williams, one of Boston's two second-round picks this year, could graduate from a two-way deal and factor into that equation more prominently.
However, the rookie will likely require more seasoning with the Celtics' G League affiliate in Maine. There's also the possibility of an external upgrade to bolster Boston's options at the pivot.
But as of now, Queta will play a significant role in how Joe Mazzulla manages his center rotation. As he prepares for that opportunity, he told Bobby Manning of CLNS Media what he is focusing on.
"I think it's making sure I get in great shape," said Queta. "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 is a tremendous chance for Queta to put those points of emphasis to the test and continue to sharpen them before returning to Boston for training camp this fall. It highlights how this tournament could help him seize the Celtics' starting center job.