Jaylen Brown responds to Neemias Queta's banter: 'He has no chance against me'

NEW YORK — In an interview with A BOLA, Neemias Queta warned that he is finally looking to block former Boston Celtics teammate and current Philadelphia 76ers rival Jaylen Brown. However, the Portuguese international received a swift response. Speaking to our newspaper following the clash against the Brooklyn Nets, the American wing brushed off the challenge with a laugh, asserting that the Portuguese center "has no chance" against him.

"Neemias has fantastic talent. I'm really happy to see his development. He had a great season last year, and even before that, he was already improving. He's a great friend of mine, but he has no chance," Brown said laughing, in a comment that adds plenty of spice to their upcoming matchups.

The two shared the Celtics locker room over the past three seasons and even had an informal agreement not to try posterizing each other in practice. Now, with the wing moving to Philadelphia this summer, friendship must make room for on-court rivalry.

"I've blocked everyone on the court, Jaylen Brown is the only one left. Whenever we played against each other [in practice], we'd always agree not to try jumping over or dunking on each other. But now we're rivals... It's going to be a clash of the titans at the rim," the Portuguese international told A BOLA.

Their reunion could take place as early as Sunday, when the Celtics and 76ers face off in preseason action. Brown's availability, however, remains uncertain. Against the Nets, he gave fans a scare when Joel Embiid landed on him while battling for a rebound. Brown stayed down for a few moments, visibly in discomfort, but managed to get up and finish the game.

Asked whether he will be ready to face Boston, he left the door open. "We'll see. I'm going to talk with the coaching staff. I'm fit to play, but we'll see," he replied.

For now, Brown has laid down the gauntlet. Queta is hunting the block that has eluded him, while the American insists the Portuguese big man will have his work cut out. Should the showdown happen on Sunday, the lighthearted banter from their Boston days will give way to the first chapter of an ex-teammate rivalry.