Saturday, at the King Open School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Neemias Queta and Hoopers, a global basketball community, unveiled a freshly painted basketball court that celebrates the Portuguese diaspora.
The Lisbon native, who's the first player from Portugal in NBA history, stayed throughout the afternoon. He signed autographs and spent hours engaging with fans.
Queta also spoke with the media present. He fielded questions on numerous subjects, including the Boston Celtics' new center, Mitchell Robinson.
Neemias Queta delivers strong message on Mitchell Robinson
As he discussed the arrival of the former New York Knicks center, the five-year veteran voiced that he welcomes his new teammate with open arms.
Queta also called Robinson one of the best rebounders the NBA has ever seen.
He grabbed 4.6 rebounds per game while averaging under 20 minutes per tilt last season. However, it's even easier to appreciate his impact on the offensive glass.
Queta also said he isn't caught up in who will start between the two of them. He noted that the decision is Joe Mazzulla's call, not his. However, according to Keith Smith, the initial plan is for the incumbent to remain in that role. That's the right choice, in this author's opinion.
The Celtics could have one of the NBA's best center tandems
Robinson and Queta form a potent pairing. It would be difficult to find another team that can top that combination. Of course, this has to play out on the court. But add in Luka Garza, and, in this author's opinion, it's the top trio any franchise has at that position.
Regarding Boston's top two options patrolling the pivot, that duo can dominate on the glass. Among those who appeared in at least 60 games and logged 19 minutes or more, both players ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebounds per game last season, per NBA.com. Robinson was second in that category.
Helping the Celtics profile as a top team at generating extra possessions will go a long way toward the club consistently winning the most important game within the game. They'll also protect the rim at a high level. Both blocked over 1.0 shots per contest last year. They're athletic seven-footers who provide ideal lob threats, and they'll pave the way to points with stellar screens.
Robinson's ability to act as a road grader indicates the Celtics will increase their three-point attempt rate. Combine that with Boston's ability to knock down those shots at a high clip and retrieve a significant portion of its misses, and you have a formula that's tough to beat.
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