Queta's EuroBasket surge fuels Celtics starting center debate

Neemias Queta delivered a statement performance for Portugal in EuroBasket group play, and his outing has intensified debate about whether the 26 year old will be ready to take over as the Boston Celtics starting center when the 2025-26 NBA season begins. Queta scored 23 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, blocked four shots and added two steals in Portugal's 62-50 victory over the Czech Republic, an efficient 11-of-15 shooting night that helped give his country its first EuroBasket win since 2007.

Queta's debut featured an unusual flourish for a center: he opened Portugal's first possession by drilling a three pointer. The shot, and his overall dominance, have renewed optimism in Boston, where the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet have left a clear vacancy in the middle. Queta averaged 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in limited minutes last season but appeared in a career-high 62 games in 2024-25, and he is widely expected to be in the running for the starting five when training camp opens.

Queta spoke about his own preparation and confidence in expanded roles with both Portugal and the Celtics in an interview with CLNS Media. "I also want to raise up my free...