Queta was limited in the first game of the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.
The Boston Celtics reportedly got good news on big man Neemias Queta and his injured ankle over the weekend, with Bobby Manning of CLNS Celtics reporting that Queta will play in Monday afternoon's second qualifying game for Portugal as part of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Queta was limited in Friday's opener against Spain, where he played against current Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez. Portugal beat Spain by six, 95-89. Queta had 16 points and nine rebounds, but was pulled after just 24 minutes because of the injury.
The FIBA World Cup Qualifiers have 80 countries vying to be one of 32 teams to take place in next year's FIBA World Cup tournament. While not a complete guarantee, it's highly likely that the winner of the World Cup gets an automatic bid to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Every time a player gets hurt in international competition, there's a conversation about whether or not NBA players should be playing in these games, but the fact remains that these contests are important to these players. The chance to play with friends and countrymen, as well as grow the game in their home country, is a responsibility that many of these players feel.
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesAnd the teams often just have to grit their teeth and hope that no one gets hurt. Current Celtics forward Paul George famously suffered an ugly leg injury while playing for Team USA in 2014. The injury happened in an intrasquad scrimmage
Queta played in 76 games last season for the Celtics, averaging 10.2 ppg and 8.4 rebounds. A 7-footer, he's certainly capable of scoring a bit and aiding in rebounding and defensive efforts. He's active and athletic, and is still just 27 years old. He's a five-year veteran of the Sacramento Kings and Celtics. His 10.2 ppg last season were nearly double that of any previous season in his career (5.5 in 2023-24).
He figures to form a solid big man trio with Mitchell Robinson and Luka Garza, and first-round draft pick Chris Cenac Jr. could mix in as well. Queta signed a contract extension this offseason and is now under team control for the next five seasons.
His extension is for four years and $56 million and tacks onto his current one year remaining.
Boston went 56-26 last season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference, but the expectations have been lowered for them heading into this new campaign.
