Training camps across the Association are right around the corner. As a result, many players are already back in the city they call their professional home.
For Neemias Queta, back from another strong showing with Portugal on the FIBA stage, he used his time before training camp to give back to the community.
The Boston Celtics' starting center was recently at the King Open School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There, he and Hoopers unveiled a newly designed basketball court; it celebrates the Portuguese diaspora.
Queta spoke on several topics, including Mitchell Robinson's arrival. He also shared his thoughts on this summer's blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. In exchange, the Celtics acquired Paul George and two promising future first-round draft picks. George just joined Mike Conley for their introductory press conference in Boston.
Neemias Queta opens up about the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown
The Lisbon, Portugal, native is sad to see the former Finals MVP go. Brown spent a decade in Boston. He built strong bonds in the community and the locker room.
For Queta, Brown's departure means losing a friend and a beloved teammate. They were two pillars of a group that defied expectations last season.
Many wrote off the Celtics after last summer's dramatic roster makeover. However, the former evolved into a top-10 player at his position in the regular season. Brown was an All-NBA Second Team selection for the second time. He finished sixth in the MVP voting.
While it's tough to see someone leave after growing close over the years, Queta also understands this is part of the business. He conveyed that he and his teammates must focus on what they can control, not what they can't.
What did Neemias Queta say about Mitchell Robinson?
Boston's starting center is ready to welcome his new teammate with open arms. Together, he and the former New York Knick could become the top tandem at their position.
Both make a significant impact on the glass. In fact, Queta confidently declared Robinson one of the best rebounders that the NBA has ever seen.
Echoing that sentiment, ESPN's Zach Kram recently noted that of those with at least 5,000 career minutes, the Celtics' new center is tied with Dennis Rodman for the second-highest career offensive rebounding rate.
Joe Mazzulla can keep at least one of Robinson and Queta on the floor. Plus, the third option is Luka Garza, another excellent offensive rebounder. That's a significant part of why Boston projects to rank among the best teams at generating extra possessions. It's the most crucial game within the game, and the Celtics should have the edge on most nights.
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