Neemias Queta made his debut last night for the Boston Celtics, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. The Portuguese center played 13 minutes and 35 seconds and scored seven points, four rebounds and a tackle in the loss to the New York Knicks (114-107) at Madison Square Garden.
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Not all went well: he lost the ball once and committed five fouls during the game that marked his debut for the Celtics. Finally, Neemias opened his heart and spoke about the role he hopes to play in Joe Mazzulla’s team: “Just coming in and bringing energy to the team, contributing on both sides of the pitch, being active. It’s always good to be able to sink, get offensive rebounds, play with energy, I feel like I can provide that. I want to focus on that and continue to work to be more consistent.”
The 24-year-old basketball player also discussed moving from the Kings, the team that selected him in the league provisional version 2021, for the Celtics, also on a two-way contract. “It’s always difficult when a situation like this arises, but I have always had good support from my family and friends. It didn’t take long before the phone rang with interest from the Celtics., and from that moment on I knew I was in a good situation. It is a winning team, always fighting for the title and I want to be able to contribute to that,” said the Portuguese, revealing what they told him at the time of the negotiations: “You always have to be ready, it was that kind of conversation. I feel very wanted here, so I’m really excited to show what I can do on both sides of the aisle. court. Time will speak for me.”
Sharing the locker room with players like Kristap Porzingis and Al Horford “isn’t intimidating”: “It’s basketball, that’s what I’m best at. I just go on the court with a great mentality and approach, and with these teammates around me I can I just want to learn from them. They have been at this level for years and are players with a lot of versatility. I just want to learn and be like them.”
And getting the support of Boston’s Portuguese community is “an even greater responsibility” because he represents Portugal and because he knows how much they believe in him.
The Celtics return to the court this preseason early Thursday (12:00 AM) against the Philadelphia 76ers and Neemias may have more minutes to show off.
Source: DN
